Guest guest Posted June 6, 2004 Report Share Posted June 6, 2004 I checked out Hemochromtosis and here is the info. Check out the syptoms. Hope this can help you. Cricket Hemochromatosis Provided by A.D.A.M., Inc. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Overview | Treatment | Images --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Definition Hemochromatosis is a disorder that interferes with iron metabolism and results in excess iron deposits throughout the body. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Primary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the US, affecting an estimated 1 of every 200-300 Americans. Similar symptoms may occur from the secondary form of hemochromatosis, which can be caused by other diseases such as thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia. Hemochromatosis may also be caused by having a large number of blood transfusions, particularly in patients who get them for inherited or pre-malignant anemias. Occasionally, it may be seen with hemolytic anemia, porphyria cutanea tarda, excessive oral iron ingestion, and chronic alcoholism. First, excess iron accumulates in the liver and causes liver enlargement. Then, other organs are affected. The disease may lead to the development of diabetes, skin pigment changes, cardiac problems, arthritis, testicular atrophy, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, hypopituitarism, chronic abdominal pain, severe fatigue, and increased risk of certain bacterial infections. Hemochromatosis affects men five times more frequently than women. It is particularly common in Caucasians of Western European descent. Symptoms are often seen in men between the ages of 30 and 50 and in women over 50 (although some people may develop problems by age 20). Alcoholism and a family history of hemochromatosis are risk factors. Prevention Screening family members of a person diagnosed with hemochromatosis may detect the disease early so that treatment can be started before organ damage has occurred in other affected relatives. Symptoms Joint pain Fatigue Lack of energy Weight loss Generalized darkening of skin color (often referred to as bronzing) Abdominal pain Loss of sexual desire Testicular atrophy Loss of body hair Weakness Heart problems Symptoms related to the onset of diabetes Signs and tests A physical examination shows an enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, and pigmentation changes in the skin. If hemochromatosis is suspected, blood tests may help make the diagnosis. These include: Elevated serum iron Elevated TIBC (total iron binding capacity) Elevated serum ferritin Elevated percentage of transferrin saturation This diagnosis may be confirmed with a liver biopsy or by systemic removal of iron through blood removal (quantitative phlebotomy). Recently, genetic mutations have been found in some families who have hemochromatosis. Blood tests can be used to look for these genetic changes and confirm the diagnosis of hemochromatosis as well as to determine who may be at high risk of developing the disease. Other tests after initial diagnosis may include liver function tests (LFT), CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, biphasic helical CAT scan, alpha fetoprotein, PIVKA-II, glucose, hepatitis screening, and ECG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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