Clinical description

Occurrence/ ethnicity or region

Hemochromatosis occurs in generally every on in 200-400 people. It is the most common genetic disease in the United States. It currently effects over a million people. If you are a native of Northern Europe you have an increased risk of having hemochromatosis.

An inherited blood disorder that causes increased absorption of intestinal iron, well beyond that needed to replace the body's loss of iron.

-fatigue
-weight loss
-weakness
-abdominal pain
-shortness of breath

Symptoms

Prognosis

If treated life expectancy is normal. If left untreated fatal complications may occur including, liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and difficulty depleting iron overload through phlebotomy

Treatment

The treatment for hemochromatosis is phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is a procedure that involves drawing blood from the patient. It's purpose is to rid the body of excess iron storage. Patients may need these treatments 1-2 times a week for the first year or more. Diet restrictions may also be prescribed to limit the amount of iron ingest of the patient.