All about hemochromatosis  causes of hemochromatosis risk factors for hemochromatosis symptoms of hemochromatosis diagnosis of hemochromatosis treatments for hemochromatosis Articles in liver diseases - cirrhosis of the liver hemochromatosis primary sclerosing cholangitis primary biliary cirrhosis alagille syndrome alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency Crigler-Najjar syndrome hepatitis fatty liver liver transplant Wilson's disease ascites cholestasis jaundice liver encephalopathy liver failure portal hypertension |
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What causes hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis is hereditary. Hemochromatosis is caused by a defect in a gene called HFE, which helps regulate the amount of iron absorbed from food. A person who inherits the defective gene from both parents (someone who is homozygous) may develop hemochromatosis. Studies indicate that virtually everyone who is homozygous for the HFE defect develops increased iron levels, with about half of them developing complications as a result. People who inherit the defective gene from only one parent (someone who is heterozygous) are carriers for the disease but usually do not develop it, although they may have slightly increased iron levels. In order to have the disease, a patient must have inherited two defective genes, one from each parent; siblings of an affected individual have a 25 per cent chance of getting this disease. Children are less likely to be affected since the other parent must be a carrier of a hemochromatosis gene. Hereditary hemochromatosis is passed by an autosomal recessive trait on the genes. (Scientists have recently identified the precise gene.) Because of its hereditary nature, as many as 25% of the siblings of hemochromatosis patients will also develop the disorder. |
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More information on hemochromatosis
What is hemochromatosis? - Hemochromatosis is an inherited blood disorder also known as iron overload, bronze diabetes, hereditary hemochromatosis and familial hemochromatosis.
What causes hemochromatosis? - Hemochromatosis is caused by a defect in a gene called HFE, which helps regulate the amount of iron absorbed from food.
What are the risk factors for hemochromatosis? - The risk factors for hemochromatosis are alcohol, diet, gender, blood loss, and mutation type.
What are the symptoms of hemochromatosis? - The symptoms of hemochromatosis include fatigue, weight loss, weakness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chronic abdominal pain, and impaired sexual performance.
How is hemochromatosis diagnosed? - The most common diagnostic methods for hemochromatosis are blood tests and liver biopsy. A liver biopsy often is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatments for hemochromatosis? - The most effective treatment of hemochromatosis is to reduce the blood iron by removing blood using phlebotomy (withdrawal of blood from the arm veins). |
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