Disease-related conditions in relatives of patients with hemochromatosis
Article Abstract:
Many relatives of patients with hemochromatosis have a condition related to hemochromatosis, including liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and joint disease. Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron deposits in various organs.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Screening for hemochromatosis
Article Abstract:
Widespread screening for hereditary hemochromatosis could lead to fewer complications and deaths among patients with this disease. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a fairly common genetic disorder that is characterized by increased absorption of iron by the intestines. It can cause complications such as abnormalities in skin pigmentation, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, endocrine gland failure, heart failure and joint disease. Hemochromatosis is caused by a mutation in a gene located on chromosome six. Hemochromatosis patients have higher transferrin saturation and blood levels of ferritin; these levels can be tested. Measurement of transferrin saturation is the most sensitive test. Identification of asymptomatic individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis would aid early treatment for the disease. Patients with accumulation of iron in the liver should be treated with whole-blood phlebotomy (removal of blood).
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Clinical and biochemical abnormalities in people heterozygous for hemochromatosis
Article Abstract:
People who are heterozygous for hemochromatosis, an excess of iron deposits in the body, have distinct clinical and biochemical abnormalities. The genetic mutation is found on chromosome 6. Iron in the blood and transferritin-saturation values were higher in 1,058 heterozygotes than in 321 normal people, especially among men. Clinical and biochemical abnormalities were more distinct in people who had inherited the disease from their father's side. Liver damage was minimal in this group, unless caused by alcohol or other pathological conditions.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Learning French: incorporate the lying french press into your routine for mega arm mass. Building better bi's
- Abstracts: Economists propose new strategy for public health management. New economic analysis draws big money to malaria
- Abstracts: Relapses and progression of disability in multiple sclerosis. Vaccinations and the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis
- Abstracts: Increasing number and incidence of fall-induced severe head injuries in older adults: Nationwide statistics in Finland in 1970-1995 and prediction for the future