Arthropathy in hereditary hemochromatosis

Arthropathy is one of the leading clinical manifestations of hereditary hem ochromatosis (HH). Although cirrhosis of the liver is crucial for mortality in patients with HH, arthropathy has the greatest impact on the quality of life. Several mutations in the HFE and other genes have recently been iden tified, and the prevalence of some of these mutations has already been inve stigated in population studies in greater detail. Even though cofactors oth er than genetic predisposition may play a role in the establishment of the disease, the new understanding of the genetic background of this iron stora ge disorder may help in identifying patients before the onset of clinical s ymptoms. Early initiation of iron depletion therapy, not effective in estab lished arthropathy of HH, might prevent the manifestation of arthropathy or reduce its severity. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2001, 13:80-83 (C) 2001 Lippincot t Williams & Wilkins, Inc.