A 55-year-old male with sickle cell disease, hyperlipidemia and hypertension is currently undergoing weekly red cell transfusions of sickle cell negative blood because of his high risk of stroke after experiencing a transient ischemic attack six months ago. It has been shown that transfusions can decrease a patient's risk of stroke or recurrent CVA. Conversely, repeated transfusions will result in iron overload, so iron and ferritin levels must be monitored closely. What test will provide the MOST accurate picture of total body iron burden in a patient undergoing multiple transfusions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Red cell transfusions of sickle negative and leukoreduced blood by simple or exchange transfusion can benefit patients in those indicated by decreasing their risk of stroke or recurrent CVA, pulmonary hypertension, and painful crises. Conversely, repeated transfusions will result in iron overload, so iron and ferritin levels must be monitored closely and reduced before iron accumulates and causes permanent organ damage. Liver biopsy with iron dry-weight quantitation or liver MRI will provide the most accurate picture of the total body iron burden

A 55-Year-Old Male with Sickle Cell Disease, Hyperlipidemia and Hypertension