Iron overload: Straightforward treatment for common genetic disorder

Absorbing and storing too much iron can cause an array of health problems – for starters, joint pain, fatigue, weakness and loss of interest in sex. This condition, called haemochromatosis, is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, most frequently occurring in people of Northern European descent.

The October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter provides an overview of haemochromatosis, including its genetic cause, subtle early symptoms, potential health risks and treatment.

When people have haemochromatosis, their bodies absorb and store too much iron from their normal diet. Over decades, the iron levels can build up in various organs, most often the liver and heart. Without treatment, iron levels accumulate to 20 times that of a person without the disorder. The result can be irreversible scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer, diabetes, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, arthritis, impotence or darkening of the skin.

Because of routine blood tests and follow-up genetic testing, nearly three-fourths of those with haemochromatosis are diagnosed before symptoms even begin. Usually, iron levels can be returned to normal without lasting health problems.

The most common treatment is as straightforward as the process of donating blood. About 1 pint of blood is removed from the patient every one to two weeks until iron markers in the blood reach normal levels. Once normal levels are reached, which can take from several weeks to a year or more, blood is drawn two to four times a year.

When iron levels return to normal, patients see marked improvements in weakness, fatigue, darkening of the skin and possibly even early-stage liver and heart disease. However, if cirrhosis occurs, damage to the liver may be permanent. The increased risk of liver cancer associated with cirrhosis will remain, too.

(Source: Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic Health Letter: November 2009)

Article Date: 26/11/2009

Related Diseases

Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH)

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Article Comments

Comment from: Edward Sheedy | 11/27/2009 8:34:59 AM
I had been diagnosed with Haemochromatosis in 1987.Until then I was very ill and didnot know Why. I am very lucky to be on this planet,my iron levels at the time was around 4500 and I required 2 venesections per weekfor 2years to bring those numbers back to normal. Damage to my Heart was a major concern(5 By-Passes) Damage to my Liver Ciroshis still is a major concern(6monthly Scans for Cancer). Major Damage to every Bone in my body( Total Replacement of Right Hip and Left Knee and a appoint.with the Ortho.Surgeon to replace my Left Hip.) Major oesteoarthritis Problems,and I have had another Heart Attack. My children also have Haemo.but are lucky to have found out,that this is a serious disease.They undergo Venesections every three 3 months to keep their Iron Levels under control. I therefore suggest that every person undertake a Blood Test too check their own Iron Levels,before its too late.

Comment from: Pam Cowen | 1/13/2010 11:28:47 AM
My mother has Purforia which she has had for a number of years. Her Specialist has sent her for a number of genetic tests as she was told she has got a Haemochromatosis or a form of it. What is the likelihood of it being past on to her children.