Transfused and pharmacological iron: relationship of overload to HLA antigens.

: Forty-eight haemodialysis patients were divided in two groups according to presence or absence of haemochromatosis alleles (HA). Serum ferritin concentrations were determined and analysed according to blood transfusion history. Furthermore 20 patients were given iron saccarate and post treatment ferritin concentrations were determined at 15 and 30 days. Following blood transfusion, only HA+ patients increased ferritin concentrations, while intravenous iron administration produced increased ferritin both in HA+ and HA- patients. Therefore it is advisable to minimise transfusions in HA+ patients, while intravenous iron administration should be avoided regardless of HA status.