Iron Overload Syndrome

Iron Overload Syndrome, otherwise known as Hemochromatosis, is a genetic disorder that occurs when an individual receives a defective HFE gene from both parents. Iron Overload Syndrome occurs when an individual's body absorbs too much Iron. The iron gradually builds up in the body tissues and internal organs. Untreated Hemochromatosis will damage organs, lead to arthritis, cardiovascular complications and disease, liver complications, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Risk Factors

• Individuals who have a blood relative, even as distant as a cousin, who have received a diagnosis of Hemochromatosis run a high risk of having Iron Overload Syndrome. Caucasian descendants of people from England, Ireland, Scotland, and other northern European countries have higher incidences of the gene mutation responsible for Hemochromatosis.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Symptoms of Iron Overload Syndrome typically do not appear until the individual reaches adulthood. Symptoms appear general in nature so a thorough physical exam, family history and two blood tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis of Hemochromatosis. Unexplained fatigue, weakness, joint pain, unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain are all common symptoms of this disorder.

Treatment

• Phlebotomy is used to treat Iron Overload Syndrome. A strict blood withdrawal schedule and maintenance of the schedule is necessary to bring iron levels in the blood down. The first phase of treatment is the reduction phase. During this time one to two pints of blood will be withdrawn once or twice a week. The individual's age, gender, and severity of the situation determines how long the reduction phase will last. Due to menstruation, women tend to complete reduction phases sooner. Iron Overload Syndrome reduction phases usually last from three months to a year, with men requiring more time. Complete blood work ups are completed once a year to monitor iron levels in the blood and schedule maintenance blood withdrawals if levels are high. Plenty of fluids should be consumed before and after the phlebotomy procedure and physical activity should be limited for at least one day after the procedure.

Considerations

• Individuals with Iron Overload Syndrome can lead normal lives if the disorder is diagnosed early and phlebotomy treatments begin before damage begins to occur. While treatments can not undo damage that has already been done, they will prevent further damage and improve the overall quality of life. Iron levels can also be controlled by not taking any supplements containing iron and by limiting intake of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the amount of iron that the human body absorbs. Raw seafood should be avoided because it contains germs that lead to Bacteremia, which is a bacterial infection in the blood stream that individuals with Hemochromatosis are susceptible to.

Warning

• Iron Overload Syndrome maintenance must be continued throughout the individual's lifetime. Lack of symptoms does not mean that iron is not building up to dangerous levels in the body. Not following treatment plans consistently will cause gradual damage to the human body and organs. When the individual with Iron Overload Syndrome does become symptomatic, it may be too late to avoid disastrous results.