A 50-year-old man with hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE C282Y homozygous) has completed initial weekly phlebotomy. His serum ferritin is now 40 ng/mL, transferrin saturation 45%, and he is asymptomatic. What is the recommended maintenance phlebotomy schedule?
- A Every 6 months
- B Every 2 to 4 months ✓
- C Every 1 month
- D Every 2 weeks
Correct answer: B. Every 2 to 4 months
Explanation
Once ferritin falls below 50 ng/mL, maintenance phlebotomy is required every 2 to 4 months to keep ferritin in the target range of 50 to 100 ng/mL. More frequent phlebotomy risks iron deficiency. Less frequent phlebotomy allows reaccumulation. This schedule is standard in both Indian and international guidelines.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.