Hemochromatosis

Reasons.

Iron overload in humans can be associated with innate characteristics and acquired factors.

Hereditary (primary) hemochromatosis is a genetically determined disease characterized by increased absorption of iron by the body and its excessive accumulation in organs and tissues.

There are 5 main genes responsible for the regulation of iron metabolism in the body. In the vast majority of cases, hereditary hemochromatosis is associated with mutations in the HFE gene.

The causes of secondary iron overload (secondary hemochromatosis) can be blood diseases that occur with the destruction of red blood cells, chronic viral hepatitis, multiple blood transfusions, alcohol abuse, excessive intake of iron preparations.

Clinical manifestations of iron overload are more common in men over the age of 40 and women during menopause. 

Early symptoms of the disease include:

• fatigue,
• decreased libido,
• joint pain.

A biochemical blood test can often reveal liver dysfunction. 

Prolonged accumulation of iron in the body (without treatment) can lead to the development of life-threatening conditions:

• cirrhosis,
• liver cancer,
• diabetes mellitus,
• heart failure.

Diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis and secondary iron overload is based on the study of iron metabolism indicators and genetic tests.

Conducting an appropriate examination is recommended not only for patients with clinical manifestations, but also for all blood relatives of the patient with hereditary hemochromatosis.

Timely diagnosis and competent therapy can prevent the progression of the disease and severe outcomes.

Together, the team of specialists of the Moscow Clinical Scientific and Practical Center named after A. S. Loginov (hepatologists, geneticists, hematologists) successfully copes with the problems of diagnosis and treatment of hemochromatosis.

Do not delay your visit to the specialists of our Center. This will help to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and choose the right treatment tactics. Doctors of the Department of Chronic Liver Diseases of the State Medical Institution of the Moscow State Medical Center named after A. S. Loginov DZM are always ready to help you.