The liver is the largest organ inside the human body and performs many functions. It stores glucose, iron, vitamins and minerals, and it manufactures proteins. It produces bile to aid in the digestion of food and helps the body fight infection. It also has remarkable regenerative abilities, yet it can still be damaged from disease or poor nutrition. One such disease that can damage your liver is iron overload disease, or hemochromatosis.
Definition
Hemochromatosis is a disorder that impairs the body's ability to break down iron, resulting in an excessive amount of iron being absorbed from the intestinal tract. The excess iron gets deposited in the liver and other organs such as the pancreas and heart, and can cause damage. According to Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, hemochromatosis affects one in every 300 to 400 people. It is more common in men ages 30 and 50, but it also affects women over 50. Family history of the disorder increases your risk for the disease. Prolonged hemochromatosis can lead to cirrhosis or cancer of the liver, liver disease/failure, arthritis, diabetes and heart problems.
Types and Causes
Primary hemochromatosis is the most common form of hemochromatosis in the United States. It is caused either by a genetic abnormality, receiving a high number of blood transfusions or an overdose of iron supplements. Another form is secondary hemochromatosis caused by diseases such as thalassemia, which is an inherited blood disorder in which the body manufactures too little hemoglobin, or sideroblastic anemia, a rare blood disorder characterized by the inability of bone marrow to manufacture blood cells.
Symptoms
An enlarged liver may indicate hemochromatosis, which causes swelling of the liver, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, low libido, generalized changes in skin color, weight loss, body hair loss, low energy and weakness.
Diagnosis
Hemochromatosis can be diagnosed through a serum ferritin and serum iron blood test to check iron levels. Other blood tests may include tests for blood sugar levels and liver function. An electrocardiogram, or ECG, may be performed to check the heart's electrical activity. Imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan and ultrasound may also be performed. A liver biopsy may be done to determine how much iron is your liver and the extent of any damage.
Treatment
Treatment for hemochromatosis may include a phlebotomy, which involves removing blood from the body until iron levels are reduced. This can take months or years, depending on hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels as well as your symptoms. Your doctor will most likely put you on a low-iron diet to prevent iron levels from increasing. If liver damage from hemochromatosis is severe, a liver transplant may be the only option.
Member Comments