AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Chronic iron overload may occur in thalassemia patients because of regular blood transfusions and because of excessive absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract3.

Detailed explanation-2: -Background: In beta thalassaemia major multiple blood transfusions, ineffective erythropoiesis and increased gastrointestinal iron absorption lead to iron overload in the body. Iron overload impairs the immune system, placing patients at greater risk of infection and illness.

Detailed explanation-3: -In case of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia like -thalassemia intermedia and HbH disease, iron overload can develop due to ineffective erythropoiesis leading to an inappropriately low hepcidin level and subsequently to an increase in the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract [12].

Detailed explanation-4: -People who receive a lot of blood transfusions are at risk for iron overload. Red blood cells contain a lot of iron, and over time, the iron from all of the transfusions can build up in the body.