HEREDITARY HEMOCHROMATOSIS - DETECTING AND CORRECTING IRON OVERLOAD

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder. A large numbe r of homozygous patients with early disease are asymptomatic, but with early diagnosis and treatment, their life expectancy is normal. The b est screening test is determination of the percent saturation of trans ferrin or the transferrin index. Liver biopsy with measurement of hepa tic irron concentration is required for definitive diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment by phlebotomy at regular intervals is straightforward.