Types of Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis: Types list
The list of types of Hemochromatosis mentioned in various sources includes:
Types discussion:
Genetic hemochromatosis is mainly associated with a defect in a gene
called HFE, which regulates the amount of iron absorbed from food. Two
mutations, named C282Y and H63D, can cause hemochromatosis. The genetic
defect is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. A
person who inherits the defective gene from both parents develops
hemochromatosis. A person who inherits the defective gene from only one
parent is a carrier for the disease but usually does not develop it.
However, carriers might have a slight increase in iron absorption.
Scientists hope that further study of HFE will reveal how the body
normally metabolizes iron. They also want to learn how iron injures cells
and whether it contributes to organ damage in other diseases, such as
alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C, porphyria cutanea tarda, heart
disease, reproductive disorders, cancer, autoimmune hepatitis, diabetes,
and joint disease.
Juvenile hemochromatosis and neonatal hemochromatosis are two forms of
the disease that are not caused by an HFE defect. Their cause is unknown.
The juvenile form leads to severe iron overload and liver and heart
disease in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 30, and
the neonatal form causes the same problems in infants.
(Source: excerpt from Hemochromatosis: NIDDK)
Hemochromatosis: Rare Types
Rare types of medical conditions and diseases in related medical categories:
Hemochromatosis: Related Disease Topics
More general medical disease topics related to Hemochromatosis include:
Research More About Hemochromatosis
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Causes of Hemochromatosis
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