Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Abstract

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited iron overload disorder that can result in liver and other end-organ involvement and injury. The phenotypic expression ranges from asymptomatic to end-stage liver disease and can be separated into three stages. This review covers the epidemiology, etiology and genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis of hereditary hemochromatosis. Figures show the fraction of patients with mutations for hemochromatosis and clinical manifestations, the regulation of iron by hepcidin, physical examination findings in hemochromatosis, a diagnostic algorithm for hemochromatosis, and a treatment algorithm for hemochromatosis. Tables list hemochromatosis disease stage according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver, genetic mutations in hemochromatosis, secondary (non-hemochromatosis-related) causes of iron overload, indications for liver biopsy in patients with hemochromatosis, and clinical manifestations in hemochromatosis. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 32 references Key words: Hemochromatosis; Hereditary hemochromatosis; Iron overload; Iron regulatory pathways; Hepatic iron; Hepcidin