Hemochromatosis is the presence of an abnormally elevated amount of iron in the body. Iron overload is another way to describe this condition. Hemochromatosis can occur due to an inherited abnormality, also known as primary hemochromatosis. The National Institutes of Health reports that about 1 million Americans have hereditary hemochromatosis. Secondary hemochromatosis occurs because of another medical condition such as alcoholism, thalassemia and chronic liver or kidney disease. The complications of iron overload occur due to damage caused by excessive iron in the body tissues.
Arthritis
The accumulation of iron in the joints can lead to tissue damage and arthritis. In an article published in "Current Opinions in Rheumatology," Dr. J. Jordan of the University of North Carolina reports that arthritis symptoms occur commonly in people with hemochromatosis.
Liver Disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the liver is the primary organ in which iron accumulates. The presence of excessive iron in liver cells causes slow, progressive liver damage, including inflammation and scarring. With long-standing iron overload, cirrhosis may occur. Cirrhosis of the liver may progress to liver failure. Iron overload also increases the risk for liver cancer.
Heart Abnormalities
The heart is another organ in which excessive iron accumulates, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports. Iron is a highly reactive chemical substance. Excessive iron triggers reactions that cause progressive damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to a condition called cardiomyopathy. With this condition, the heart muscle is weak with decreased blood-pumping capacity. In addition to cardiomyopathy, the damage of iron overload may cause abnormalities in heart rhythm.
Diabetes
According to the CDC, iron overload can cause an accumulation of iron in the pancreas. Over time, the presence of excessive iron damages the pancreas, including the cells that make insulin. Insulin is the primary hormone that controls blood sugar levels in the body. Without sufficient insulin, diabetes and high blood sugar levels develop. Hemochromatosis-induced diabetes is sometimes called bronze diabetes because advanced hemochromatosis causes increased pigmentation or bronzing of the skin.
Ovarian and Testicular Failure
The CDC advises that advanced iron overload can damage the ovaries and testes. In females, this often manifests as loss of ovulation and absence of normal menstrual periods. In adolescent males, puberty may be delayed. In adult males, sperm production may be reduced, causing fertility problems.
Decreased Thyroid Function
Hypothyroidism, with decreased production of the thyroid hormones, can occur due to excessive iron accumulation in the thyroid gland. In a 2008 article on the endocrine complications of iron overload published in "Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews," Dr. M. Gamberini and colleagues found that about one-third of patients with thalassemia-related iron overload had hypothyroidism.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hemochromatosis for Health Care Professionals, Epidemiology Summary
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hemochromatosis for Health Care Professionals, Clinical Expression
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hemochromatosis
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Hemochromatosis, Signs and Symptoms
- Genetics Home Reference: Hemochromatosis
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