title: Secondary haemochromatosis in a patient with thalassemia intermedia.
abstract: Haemochromatosis is due to excessive accumulation of iron in tissues and organs impairing their function. The most common haematologic disorders that are subject to an intensive transfusion regimen bringing excess iron in the body are: thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. The value of serum ferritin in these patients (indicator of iron stores condition) reaches high values. Red cell substitution bringing additional iron intake must be accompanied by administration of chelation therapy in order to prevent haemochromatosis and related complications. We present the case of a patient with thalassemia intermedia, integumentary secondary haemochromatosis, cirrhosis with haemochromatosis, and secondary diabetes, who died at the age of 33 years because of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to the rupture of oesophageal varices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.
authors.forename: Ionela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rotaru
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaman
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaman
keywords: cirrhosis; diabetes mellitus; haemochromatosis; thalassemia intermedia