ABSTRACT
Iron (Fe) is the most abundant trace metal in the human body. Although Fe toxicity occurs less frequently, it is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Fe plays an essential role in cellular processes, such as oxygen transport, energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and many more. Fe is mainly obtained from dietary sources and gets absorbed from the small intestine. The Fe absorption, recycling, and storage in the body are aptly regulated to maintain homeostasis. An imbalance in the homeostasis results in chronic Fe overload. The excess Fe results in the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation, which in turn induce tissue damage. The peak serum Fe concentration, after an intoxication, is seen in 4–6 hours. Supportive management strategies should be initiated as soon as the patient presents with an alleged history of Fe overdose and based on the signs and symptoms chelation therapy with deferoxamine (DFOA) should be started. This chapter discusses properties, uses, sources of Fe and its exposure, toxic dose, toxicokinetics, mechanism of toxicity, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of Fe toxicity. The authors discussed a case of Fe poisoning at the end of this chapter for the readers.
