Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary, genetically determined ailment, expressed by a violation of the metabolism of iron–containing pigments. At the same time, the absorption of iron in the intestine increases with its subsequent accumulation in tissues and organs.

Hemochromatosis is a formidable disease in which the level of iron is exceeded and this trace element begins to have a pronounced toxic effect on the organs and systems of the body. To exclude the development of severe symptoms, it is necessary to seek help from qualified, reputable doctors when the first alarming symptoms appear.

Reasons

Among the causes of this ailment are:

Heredity. Mutate the genes responsible for glandular metabolism in the body.
Chronic hepatitis B and C, provoking the development of iron metabolism disorders with their long course and liver damage.
Disorders of iron metabolism as a result of some specific surgical operations on the liver.
Alcoholic hepatitis.
Blockage of pancreatic ducts.
Tumor processes of the pancreas and liver.
Types and forms

It is customary to distinguish between primary and neonatal hemochromatosis. The first type is caused by mutational changes in the genes responsible for iron metabolism. The second is a rare and rapidly progressing disease of newborns, without definite causes.

According to the stage , this disease is divided into:

Stage 1. It is characterized by the absence of iron overload (the exchange is disrupted, but the iron indicators are still normal).
Stage 2. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations of the disease with altered indicators of the level of iron in the blood.
Stage 3. It is characterized by the presence of clinical symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms

Among the symptoms of hemachromatosis should be distinguished:

rapid weight loss;
reduced blood pressure;
rapid fatigue and weakness;
hyperpigmentation;
development of diabetes mellitus and heart failure;
forced restriction of mobility and motor activity;
decreased libido;
swelling and soreness of the joints.
Diagnostics

For the diagnostic program of hemochromatosis , it is necessary to:

Collection and analysis of life history, family history and disease, complaints.
Genetic research.
To evaluate the parameters of iron metabolism in the blood.
Puncture biopsy of the liver.
Consulting an endocrinologist is also indicated.

Treatment

A significant role in the treatment of this condition is played by following a diet that restricts the intake of iron, protein and ascorbic acid into the body. This vitamin improves the absorption of iron in the intestine.

Iron-binding drugs are prescribed. They remove this element from the body. The use of bloodletting (to reduce the level of iron in the patient’s blood) and the appointment of symptomatic treatment, which will alleviate the symptoms of heart and liver failure, diabetes mellitus, is shown.

Complications

The course of this ailment can provoke the development of such unpleasant conditions as:

liver failure;
arrhythmias;
bleeding from the superficial veins of the esophagus;
congestive heart failure;
myocardial infarction;
oncological liver lesions;
hepatic and diabetic coma;
liver failure;
infectious complications.
Prevention

Preventive measures for primary hemochromatosis consist of:

In following a diet with a restriction of protein foods, ascorbic acid and iron.
In the reception of pharmacological agents from the group of iron-binding drugs. They should only be prescribed by a doctor.

Post Views: 424

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis

Phenylketonuria

Tourette’s syndrome

Patau syndrome

Most Popular

WHO: 1 billion people in the world are served by medical institutions without reliable power supply

Gastritis symptoms and what is it

Diarrhea

Rectal prolapse

Recent Comments