Disorders of Iron Metabolism

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the disorders of iron metabolism. Iron is a transition metal and, therefore, has the ability both to exist in several oxidation states and to form stable complexes. It is these properties that have made the transition elements important components of electron- and oxygen-carrying proteins. Iron-deficiency anemia is widespread in the poorer countries of the world, especially in women whose iron losses are greater than those of men because of menstruation and childbirth. In the developed world, iron-deficiency anemia in men is usually the result of pathological blood loss. Iron overload is comparatively rare but is found in patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis, who have a genetically determined abnormality of iron absorption and in patients with refractory anemia who require regular blood transfusions to remain alive. In either case, the body's limited ability to excrete iron causes a gradual accumulation of storage iron that eventually leads to tissue damage.