Iron overload

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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Haemochromatosis

A common genetic disorder in Australia, iron overload is often undiagnosed

Many people are familiar with the lethargy and health risks associated with low iron levels, but it appears there is less awareness about the dangers of too much iron in the body. Here are the key facts.

1What is haemochromatosis? It is a condition that occurs when your body absorbs too much iron from your diet.

2It is a genetic condition Also known as inherited iron overload disorder, it is the most common genetic disorder in Australia and affects about one in 200 people of northern European origin.

“It is an autosomal recessive genetic condition caused when a person inherits a faulty gene from both parents,” Edith Cowan University health research lead and hepatologist Professor John K. Olynyk says. 3Men and women at risk While men and women inherit haemochromatosis equally, males experience symptoms more frequently with an estimated ratio of 3:1. The difference is attributed to physiological blood loss in menstruation and/or childbirth in women.

4Symptoms similar to low iron The early generalised symptoms are common to many conditions including low iron, which is why it is important to get your iron levels checked before taking iron supplements or iron-fortified foods, Prof Olynyk says.

“In the early stages of iron overload caused by haemochromatosis, symptoms may be completely absent or very non-specific, including general fatigue and weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain and joint aches,” he says.

5Can damage major organs It varies from person to person, but haemochromatosis may affect the liver, heart, joints, pancreas, skin and sex organs.

“Higher levels of iron can cause cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. People with liver problems may develop an enlarged liver, jaundice, easy bruising and pain in the liver.

“The heart, rarely, can be affected and symptoms will include palpitations due to damage of the heart muscle, breathlessness with physical activity and swollen ankles,” Prof Olynyk says.

“If the pancreas is affected this may lead to type 2 diabetes with symptoms including thirst and increased need to urinate, skin infections ... blurry vision, dizziness and weight gain or loss.”

If the sex organs are affected, he says women may experience irregular periods or early menopause and loss of libido, while men may experience impotence and shrinking testicles.

6It can be debilitating “Many (patients) have had multiple joint replacements as a result of the osteoarthritis caused by haemochromatosis,” Prof Olynyk says. “The fatigue and loss of sexual function that accompanies undiagnosed and untreated haemochromatosis can lead to depression.” 7 Can lead to premature death If undetected or left untreated, the condition can cause organ or tissue damage that can be fatal.

8Is easily treated Haemochromatosis is treated essentially by donating blood to reduce the levels of excess iron stored around the organs, Prof Olynyk says.

“This is done by the process of phlebotomy or venesections, which is the same as a blood donation.

“In cases where the stores of iron are very high, the patient may need to have about 500ml of blood removed every fortnight for many months until they reach maintenance.

“In most cases the blood can be removed at a blood donation centre if the patient is registered with Lifeblood as a therapeutic donor.”