Hemochromatosis

For many people, not getting enough iron is a problem. But, for some individuals, their bodies absorb too much iron and the result can be serious, even deadly.

It's called hemochromatosis and it's a hereditary disease; in fact, it is one of the most common genetic diseases in humans (Read about "Genetics"), according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. In the United States, as many as one million people have evidence of hemochromatosis, and up to one in every ten people may carry the gene for the disorder.

Signs and symptoms

In hemochromatosis, excess iron is stored in the pancreas, liver (Read about "The Liver") and skin. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) excess iron deposits eventually damage these organs. Initial symptoms can include:

• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes (Read about "Jaundice")
• changes in skin color to bronze or gray

Over time, hemochromatosis can cause liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. (Read about "Cirrhosis" "Coronary Heart Disease" "Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases" "Diabetes"

Lifestyle can affect how quickly the disease progresses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) excess iron in the diet, alcohol use, infections, iron lost through blood donations and menstruation, and other environmental factors all have an impact. For example, alcohol use may worsen the disease and speed the development of serious symptoms, whereas iron lost through blood donations or menstruation may lessen the severity.

Diagnosis and treatment

According to the American Hemochromatosis Society (AHS), hemochromatosis is underdiagnosed, and many people with the disease do not know they are accumulating dangerous stores of iron. Although it can strike anyone, AHS says people of Irish/Scottish/Celtic/British heritage are at a higher risk of iron overload, as are Hispanics and African Americans. (Read about "Minority Health")

Because of the potential complications, early diagnosis is essential. People who have a close blood relative with hemochromatosis, as well as persons who have suspicious symptoms, should talk with their doctor about being evaluated for hemochromatosis.

In general, if hemochromatosis is suspected, blood tests are used to diagnose the disease. (Read about "Laboratory Testing") A liver biopsy (Read about "Biopsy"), in which a small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope, can be used to confirm a diagnosis.

NIDDK says hemochromatosis is typically treated by drawing blood to remove excess iron from the body and keep it from building up in organs. Initially, blood may be drawn once or twice a week, until levels stabilize. After that, blood is drawn less often, for example once every 2 to 6 months for the rest of the person's life. The actual frequency of blood removal is determined individually for each patient. In some cases, medication may be used to help your body to expel some iron from your blood.

Related Information:

    Iron Supplements

    Anemia

    Blood Donation Guidelines

    Alcoholism