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). Phlebotomy is a procedure that involves drawing blood from the patient, much like blood donation. Its purpose as a treatment is to rid the body of excess iron storage. Patients may need these procedures one or two times a week for a year or more. Less frequent phlebotomy may be continued in subsequent years to keep
excess iron from accumulating. Patients who cannot tolerate phlebotomy due to other medical problems can be treated with Desferal (desferrioxamine). Diet restrictions may also be prescribed to limit the amount of iron ingested. Individuals who know they have the genetic makeup for hemochromatosis may postpone its onset by limiting iron intake and avoiding iron supplements. Complications from hemochromatosis, such as cirrhosis or diabetes, may also require treatment. Treatment for idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is based on symptoms.
Another approach to treatment is called chelation therapy, in which a medication called deferoxamine (Desferal) binds to iron, removing it from the body and lowering the amount of stored iron. However, phlebotomy is so effective and simple that chelation therapy is rarely necessary.
Complications of hemochromatosis, such as arthritis, hormone deficiency, heart failure, and diabetes, can be treated successfully in most cases. If these complications have already occurred in the patient, regular treatment with blood withdrawal should still be done. At this stage, it can prevent further harm and may even improve some of the damage. |
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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