As iron continues to build up in the body, complications happen more often.
Transfused people with sickle cell disease and iron overload‡ had higher rates of:
Death
(64% vs. 5% for people without iron overload)
Organ failure
(71% vs. 19% for people without iron overload)
Pain episodes
(64% vs. 38% for people without iron overload)
‡N=35; defined as serum ferritin levels >1500 ng/mL and transferrin saturation >50%
Consider your kidneys!
Kidney complications are common in the general population of people with sickle cell disease. Regular monitoring can help ensure optimal care.