Chronic iron overload, or hemosiderosis, is characterized by increased focal or generalized iron deposition within the tissues. It is a serious risk accompanying the mainstay treatment of frequent transfusions of packed red blood cells for patients with symptomatic myelodysplastic syndrome. The chelation therapy that effectively treats hemosiderosis entails nightly subcutaneous infusions lasting 8-12 hours of deferoxamine (DFO). Compliance with these infusions can be problematic.
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