Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3109630 | Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America | 2008 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease resulting in inappropriate intestinal iron absorption leading to iron overload and end-organ disease. The disease is most prevalent in white individuals of European descent. The C282Y mutation on the HFE gene accounts for most cases of HH; however, other genetic mutations have been identified. End-organ damage results in cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and cardiomyopathy. Therapeutic phlebotomy to deplete excessive iron stores is the standard treatment of HH and results in normal longevity if therapy is initiated before end-organ disease occurs.
Related Topics
Health Sciences
Medicine and Dentistry
Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
Authors
Christopher Fowler,