Iron overload disorders: treatment options for patients refractory to or intolerant of phlebotomy.

Iron overload disorders involve excess accumulation of iron in body tissues as a result of hereditary and nonhereditary diseases. If left untreated, tissue iron deposition can result in organ damage. Treatment options such as phlebotomy, chelating agents, and erythrocytapheresis can prevent complications and target organ damage. Although phlebotomy is the gold standard for iron overload treatment in the setting of hereditary hemochromatosis, this procedure is usually not feasible for other iron overload conditions, especially those associated with anemia. With the introduction of newer, oral chelating agents, more options are available for patients refractory to or intolerant of parenteral chelating agents.