Hemochromatosis, also known as iron storage disease, is a difficult condition to diagnose because its symptoms are very nonspecific. Early warning signs often include:
In Germany alone, an estimated around 400,000 people suffer from this hereditary condition. Since it is not notifiable, exact numbers are unavailable.
Hemochromatosis often leads to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and severe heart failure—making early therapy absolutely essential.
Diagnosing hemochromatosis used to be very difficult. Today,
however, a chromosome test with 90% sensitivity can confirm the
condition if symptoms, high transferrin saturation, and elevated
ferritin levels are present.
If the hemochromatosis gene test is positive at one or two
positions, the diagnosis is certain.
Traditionally, bloodletting and iron chelators were used. However, chelators have significant side effects, and bloodletting often removes too little iron or cannot be performed if hemoglobin is too low.
At Schleicher & Brückl, we have developed a new therapy concept with great success. Patients receive specific injections (erythropoietin) that strongly stimulate red blood cell production. The required iron is drawn from the liver and organs where it is stored. Afterwards, erythrocytapheresis is performed. After only a maximum of three sessions, patients typically return to normal levels and are symptom-free.
Based on current experience, this therapy only needs to be repeated every 2-3 years, and only if symptoms and lab values begin to rise again.
Due to high demand, our practice now operates two machines dedicated to hemochromatosis treatment.
For further detailed information on hemochromatosis, see our section on Hemochromatosis Therapy or read Dr. Schleicher-Brückl’s article in Paracelsus Magazin 6/18: “Hemochromatosis - A Common Metabolic Disorder”.
October 23, 2018