Hemochromatosis

Symptoms of hemochromotosis?

07/09/2008 04:03PM

Question:

One of my Father`s sisters warned us ages ago to all get tested ( she was found to have hemochromotosis), as we were all fit and well we didnt get around to it, my Father has been very sick over the last few years, and has just had tests for severe pain- but with no obvious reasons showing up. We have just remebered about Aunty`s warning, and have read about this, and it sounds very possible, My Father (72Yrs) has had a costomy bag fitted, has muscle wastage, bad arturitis,wicked joint pains, shocking circulation, vikings fingures, a stent recently fitted into his heart valve, diabettes, has had trouble with kidney failure recently. Over the last few years he has shrunk quite consierabley, and most of his muscle seems to have dropped away. Do you think these symptoms are all classic for hemochromotosis? Regards,

Answer:

All of your father's health problems could be due to a number of different factors and may not have anything directly to do with hemochromatosis.

Having said that, if you have a first degree relative, such as a sister or aunt, who has been diagnosed with hemochromatosis, everybody (all of your siblings) should be tested at least with iron screening studies to include ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). You should strongly consider genetic testing as well.

Related Resources:

Ferritin
Total Iron Binding Capacity
Serum iron

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Response by:

Mark Wurster, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University