Endocrinology >>>> Hemosiderosis - origin and methods of treatment

Hemosiderosis - origin and methods of treatment.

Excessive deposition of the pigment hemosiderin (iron oxide) in various tissues is called "hemosiderosis". The process of deposition of hemosiderin pigment occurs against the background of a number of diseases associated with the breakdown of hemoglobin contained in erythrocytes or increased absorption of iron in the digestive tract and subsequent denaturation of the ferritin protein that retains hemosiderin, which leads to its deposition in tissues. The pigment has a dark yellow tint, which gives the fabrics an orange, brown (rust colored) color.

Hemosiderosis does not always damage the structure of tissues, but it is an indicator (sign) of diseases of the blood system, disorders of the structure of the vascular wall, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, poisoning with hemolytic toxic substances, endocrine diseases, as well as the result of frequent blood transfusions, taking certain medications, can occur on background of various skin diseases, skin injuries. With structural changes in tissues caused by hemosiderosis and accompanied by changes in organ functions, we are talking about hemochromatosis.

The pulmonary form of hemosiderosis (idiopathic hemosiderosis of the lungs) manifests itself as pulmonary hemorrhages, accompanied by a cough with sputum with blood, pale skin, general weakness, dizziness, hypochromic anemia, and an increase in respiratory failure. Hemosiderin is deposited in the pulmonary parenchyma.

For the cutaneous form of hemosiderosis (hemosiderosis of the skin), rashes on the skin in the form of a hemorrhagic rash or pigment spots of a reddish, yellowish or brown color, most often located in the region of the extremities, are characteristic.

In the treatment of hemosiderosis, symptomatic therapy is used: hemostatic drugs, oxygen inhalation, ascorbic acid, angioprotectors, as well as immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticosteroids).

Prevention of hemosiderosis includes timely detection and treatment of endocrine, skin, vascular pathologies, hematological diseases.