Hemachromatosis

Genetics of the Disorder- it is autosomal recessive, which means it has the ability of developing an overload of chromosomes.

Signs and Symptoms- fatigue was most common in women and diabetes was most common in men. Other symptoms were joint pain, body weakness, weight loss, and stomach pain. Not everyone who has Hemachromatosis has symptoms of the disease.

Diagnosis and Detection- Doctors look at medical history, they do physical examinations, and routine blood tests. Some types of blood tests are: Transferrin Saturation Test, Serum Ferritin Test, Liver Blopsy, and Molecular Genetic Testing.

Treatments and Therapies Available- the main idea is to rid the body of excess iron. A therapy in which they do this is called phlebotomy. A pint of blood is taken once or twice a week for several months to a year. The earlier it is treated, the better.

Prevalance in the Population- People of Northern European descent are more prone to hereditary hemochromatosis than from over ethnic backgrounds.

Life Expectancy- people with hemochromatosis have a normal life expectancy. Survival may be shortened in people who develop cirrnosis or diabetes mellitus.