What is hemochromatosis?

One in 10 people is a carrier of the genetic mutation of hemochromatosis. But what exactly is hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis occurs when the blood becomes saturated with iron. That iron will then be deposited in the liver, pancreas, heart or skin. This can, for example, cause liver cirrhosis, diabetes or heart failure.

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease. If both of your parents are carriers of the disease, you have a 1 in 4 chance of getting the disease yourself. Only white people can get the diseases. Men suffer more from it than women because the latter lose blood and therefore also iron during their periods.

Hemochromatosis is diagnosed by a liver biopsy. The GP will refer you if a blood test shows that your ferritin and the saturation percentage of transferrin have increased.

The treatment mainly consists of bloodletting. Furthermore, foods high in iron such as red meat, organ meats, muesli and corn flakes should be avoided.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024