Hemochromatosis, iron, and blood donation: a short review

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HIT), an autosomal recessive disease of iron overload, is one of the most common inherited diseases. The candidate gene (HFE) for HH lias been identified recently and a DNA- based test for the mutation is available. Treatment for HH patients with elevated iron stores include repeated phlebotomy. Left untreated, iron overload can lead to cirrhosis, organ failure, and a shortened life expectancy. In the past and present, blood collected for therapeutic purposes from patients with HH has been discarded. The aim of this article is to address whether blood collected from HH patients should be used for allogeneic transfusion in the future.