Iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis, describes a series of different diseases which cause excess iron to build up in the body. The iron can build up in a variety of tissues, including the liver and heart and cause serious damage. Diseases associated with iron overload vary, depending on the cause of the excess iron as well as the onset of the iron overload problem.
Primary Hemochromatosis
Primary hemchromatosis is a condition in which the iron overload is a result of a genetic defect that alters how much iron the digestive tract absorbs from food. Primary hemochromatosis is caused by mutations in the HFE genes, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. In order to develop primary hemochromatosis, a person needs to have genetic mutations in both of their copies of the HFE gene. People with only one mutated copy do not develop hemochromatosis but are considered to be hemochromatosis carriers because they can have children with the disorder if they mate with another hemochromatosis carrier. Approximately 10 percent of the people in the United States are hemochromatosis carriers. Primary hemochromatosis can be treated via the regular extraction of blood, which removes some of the excess iron from the body, or by using medications that cause the body to expel iron.
Secondary Hemochromatosis
Iron overload can also be the result of the body receiving too much iron due to other causes. Certain blood disorders, such as thalassemia or some types of anemia, can cause iron to be deposited throughout the body. Ingesting an excessive amount of iron, either due to iron supplements or the consumption of beer from cans that contain iron may also cause secondary hemochromatosis. Finally, iron overload can be caused by blood transfusions. Iron is a component of red blood cells, so having an abnormally high levels of red blood cells due to frequent blood transfusions can also cause iron overload. The treatments for secondary hemochromatosis involve identifying the cause of the increased iron intake and eliminating it.
Juvenile Hemochromatosis
Much like primary hemochromatosis, juvenile hemochromatosis is associated with a genetic defect. Juvenile hemochromatosis, however, is not caused by a mutation in the HFE genes, according to MayoClinic.com. Instead, patients with juvenile hemochromatosis have a mutation in the gene which makes the protein hemojuvelin. This mutation causes the body to absorb high amounts of iron; patients who have juvenile hemochromatosis typically develop signs of iron overload earlier in life than patients who have primary hemochromatosis. The symptoms of juvenile hemochromatosis typically manifest between the ages of 15 and 30.
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