Context:
Recently, health experts revealed all about Hemochromatosis or ‘bronze diabetes’.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
About Hemochromatosis:
- Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition characterized by the slow buildup of iron levels in the body over many years.
- It is primarily classified into two types:
Hereditary Hemochromatosis:
- Hereditary hemochromatosis is driven by a mutation in the HFE gene, resulting in individuals being homozygous for the C282Y variant.
- This genetic anomaly leads to lifelong excessive iron absorption in the intestines.
Secondary Hemochromatosis:
- Secondary hemochromatosis is typically caused by external factors such as frequent blood transfusions, excessive iron supplementation, or certain medical conditions.
- Iron accumulation in secondary hemochromatosis is often more rapid and can have a similar impact on organ function.
- Symptoms of hemochromatosis usually appear between the ages of 30 and 60.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and joint pain.
Treatment:
- The standard treatment for primary hemochromatosis is phlebotomy.
- Phlebotomy involves removing red blood cells, which are the body’s main mobilizer of iron, to reduce iron toxicity.
- Phlebotomy is usually performed once or twice a week.
-Source: Hindustan Times
