WHAT IS HEMOCHROMATOSIS?In hemochromatosis, more iron is absorbed from food than the body needs. The body has no natural way to eliminate the excess iron.
Because significant iron is needed for growth until puberty, the disease usually doesn't manifest until adulthood. Because women lose blood, and therefore iron, during menstruation, symptoms usually appear later in life than in men.CAUSEHemochromatosis is a hereditary condition. Approximately 1 in 200 Dutch people have a hereditary predisposition to hemochromatosis. This affects approximately 80,000 people in the Netherlands.
About half of these people will actually accumulate iron and potentially become ill. Secondary forms of hemochromatosis also exist.RECOGNIZING HEMOCHROMATOSISIn hemochromatosis, a toxic amount of iron builds up in the body over the years. This can cause one or more of the symptoms below. Symptoms may include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint problems
- Liver problems
- Diabetes mellitus
- Heart problems or arrhythmias
- Loss of libido and impotence
- Upper abdominal pain
- Brown to bronze discoloration of the skin
Diagnosis is simple via a blood test. In about 90% of cases, this can also be confirmed with a DNA test.TREATMENTHemochromatosis is treated by withdrawing blood. This is the same procedure as for blood donors, but more frequently. This procedure continues until the excess iron is removed.INFORMATIONThe Dutch Hemochromatosis Association (HVN) is the advocacy organization for people with hemochromatosis. The association has a website with extensive information for patients and other interested parties.
Hemochromatosis Association Netherlands (HVN)
P.O. Box 252
2260 AG Leidschendam
Website: www.hemochromatose.nl |
