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Introduction
Hemochromatosis is an inherited blood disorder that
results in excess deposits of iron in the liver,
pancreas, and other iron storing organs.
Your body normally stores small amounts of iron in the
bone marrow, liver, kidneys, and heart, but excess
iron will eventually damage these organs. The body
needs iron to make hemoglobin that carries oxygen. It
also needs iron to help provide energy in the muscles
and tissues.
Causes
Hereditary hemochromatosis is an
autosomal recessive condition. This means that
individuals with hemochromatosis have inherited an
altered (mutated) gene from both of their parents.
The gene that causes hemochromatosis has been
identified, and the most common abnormalities of the
gene have been described. The gene is called HFE.
Scientists have not confirmed the function of the
normal gene product; they do know that it interacts
with the cell receptor for transferrin. Transferrin
binds and transports iron in the blood.
Symptoms
Early indications of hemochromatosis include the
following symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue.
- Joint pain, usually in the hands, hips, knees, and
ankles
- Weakness
- Weight loss>
- Abdominal pain
- Increased urination
Treatment Treatment involves the removal of 500 milliliters
(about 15 ounces) of blood weekly . 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. Patients should adhere to a
low iron diet, avoiding foods such as liver, red
meats, or iron enriched breads and cereals.
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