Transfusional iron overload in patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation: an underestimated problem requiring further consideration

Transfusional iron overload (TIO) represents a delayed complication following repetitive transfusions of red blood cell (RBC) units. It has been largely documented in patients with marked RBC needs such as those suffering from congenital or acquired anemias (especially thalassemias and myelodysplastic syndromes) [1]. The negative impact of TIO in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) has been demonstrated [2]. However the epidemiology of TIO and its consequences within the context of autologous SCT for hematological malignancies have been less intensively explored and need to be further investigated [3,4].
Source: Transfusion and Apheresis Science - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research