Australian Red Cross Blood Service

When to suspect this adverse reaction?

Transfused patients may present with symptoms and signs of organ damage or failure, especially liver, cardiac and arthropathy.

The incidence is not known but should be considered with multiple transfusions, especially more than 20 units.

Usual causes?

This is considered as a long-term complication of repeated red cell transfusions with iron deposition in organs.

Each transfusion contributes about 250 mg of iron.

Investigation

Request for serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. Organ imaging and liver biopsy.

What to do?

Prescribe iron chelating agents for treatment and for prevention, where anticipated.