hemosiderin
Pronunciation: HEE-mo-sid-er-in
Iron storage protein complex that accumulates in tissues when iron stores are excessive, particularly relevant in chronically transfused pediatric patients.
Full Definition
Hemosiderin is an insoluble iron storage complex that forms when iron intake or release exceeds the storage capacity of ferritin. In pediatric hematology, hemosiderin accumulation is a critical concern in children requiring chronic blood transfusions, such as those with thalassemia major or sickle cell disease. Unlike ferritin, hemosiderin represents pathological iron storage and can be visualized in tissues through Prussian blue staining. Excessive hemosiderin deposition leads to organ dysfunction, particularly affecting the heart, liver, and endocrine glands in pediatric patients.
In Context
- "Liver biopsy revealed significant hemosiderin deposition in the hepatocytes of the chronically transfused patient." — Pathology report
- "MRI T2* sequences can detect cardiac hemosiderin accumulation before clinical symptoms develop." — Imaging protocol