Hemochromatosis is a disease that causes excess iron in the body, with the possibility of accumulation of this mineral in various organs of the body, and the appearance of complications such as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, darkening of the skin, heart failure, joints. joint pain or dysfunction, sexual glands, for example.
This disease can occur in two ways:
- Treatment of hemochromatosis is indicated by the hematologist.
- Along with phlebotomy.
- Which are periodically removed from the blood so that the deposited iron is transferred to the new red blood cells produced by the body.
- Like deferroxamine.
- Which help eliminate it.
Excess iron in the bloodstream causes it to deposit in various organs of the body such as the liver, heart, pancreas, skin, joints, testicles, ovaries, thyroid and pituitary gland.
Then, the main signs and symptoms that may occur include
In addition, iron buildup and liver fibrosis increase your chances of developing liver cancer. Learn more about symptoms that indicate excess iron.
The main tests indicated for diagnosis are:
The hematologist may also request measurements of liver enzymes, study the function or deposition of iron in organs that may be affected, and rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.
Hemochromatosis should be studied in people with suggestive symptoms, such as unexplained liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, sexual dysfunction or joint disease, as well as in people with first-degree relatives with the disease or whose iron levels on blood tests.
Hereditary hemochromatosis has no cure, however, treatment can be done to reduce iron reserves in the blood and prevent deposits in the organs.
The main form of treatment is phlebotomy, also called bleeding, in which some of the blood is drawn during sessions so that excess iron becomes part of the new red blood cells produced by the body.
This treatment has a more aggressive initial session, but maintenance doses are needed, in which 350 to 450 ml of blood are taken 1 to 2 times per week, and then the sessions are spaced based on the test results. follow-up exams, indicated by the hematologist.
Another treatment option is to use iron ners or “traps” such as desferroxamine. This treatment is recommended for people who do not tolerate phlebotomy, especially those with severe anemia, heart failure or advanced liver cirrhosis. Learn more about treatment guidelines for excess iron in your blood.
Throughout treatment it is also indicated to reduce excessive iron consumption through diet. Dietary tips include:
In addition, the patient should avoid alcoholic beverages to avoid liver damage and not consume vitamin supplements containing iron and vitamin C, as this increases iron absorption. Learn more about foods to avoid in iron-rich foods.