Research Paper On Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis
1 Hemochromatosis is a genetic metabolic disorder that affects over 1 million Americans 1. It is the result of the body absorbing too much iron 1. If the excess of iron continues to build up in the bloodstream it can cause damage to joints and organs, and can even be fatal 1.
Despite iron be harmful in this case, iron is an essential nutrient that is found in a daily diet. It is specifically responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. The normal absorption is 8 to 10 percent; however, in individuals with hemochromatosis this percentage can quadruple 1.
Hemochromatosis is one of the most common diseases in the United States and mainly affects Caucasians of Northern European ancestry 2. An estimated 4 to 5 out of …show more content…
1 Classic Hemochromatosis, also known as type 1, is the leading cause of iron overload disease 1. People that are diagnosed with this type absorb too much iron from their diet 1. In result of the body not being able to get rid of the excess iron, the excess will build up in organs, such as the heart, liver, pancreas, joints, and pituitary 1. If the iron continues to stay in these organs, then it can cause them to become diseased and potentially be fatal 1. Another type is secondary hemochromatosis 2. Secondary hemochromatosis is not inherited and is caused by constant blood transfusions in people who have anemia 2. Additionally, liver diseases can cause a mild increase in iron levels 2. 2 The last type is neonatal hemochromatosis. Neonatal hemochromatosis is a rare disease that is distinguished by liver failure and death in fetuses and newborns 2. Researchers are trying to determine the cause of this specific type 2. Studies have found the mother’s immune system produces antibodies that cause damage to the fetus’ liver 2. Treating the women with intravenous immunoglobulin during pregnancy can prevent any potential liver damage to the fetus 2. Current research has determined that blood transfusions along with intravenous immunoglobulin is an efficient treatment for babies who are diagnosed with neonatal hemochromatosis
1 Hemochromatosis is a genetic metabolic disorder that affects over 1 million Americans 1. It is the result of the body absorbing too much iron 1. If the excess of iron continues to build up in the bloodstream it can cause damage to joints and organs, and can even be fatal 1.
Despite iron be harmful in this case, iron is an essential nutrient that is found in a daily diet. It is specifically responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. The normal absorption is 8 to 10 percent; however, in individuals with hemochromatosis this percentage can quadruple 1.
Hemochromatosis is one of the most common diseases in the United States and mainly affects Caucasians of Northern European ancestry 2. An estimated 4 to 5 out of …show more content…
1 Classic Hemochromatosis, also known as type 1, is the leading cause of iron overload disease 1. People that are diagnosed with this type absorb too much iron from their diet 1. In result of the body not being able to get rid of the excess iron, the excess will build up in organs, such as the heart, liver, pancreas, joints, and pituitary 1. If the iron continues to stay in these organs, then it can cause them to become diseased and potentially be fatal 1. Another type is secondary hemochromatosis 2. Secondary hemochromatosis is not inherited and is caused by constant blood transfusions in people who have anemia 2. Additionally, liver diseases can cause a mild increase in iron levels 2. 2 The last type is neonatal hemochromatosis. Neonatal hemochromatosis is a rare disease that is distinguished by liver failure and death in fetuses and newborns 2. Researchers are trying to determine the cause of this specific type 2. Studies have found the mother’s immune system produces antibodies that cause damage to the fetus’ liver 2. Treating the women with intravenous immunoglobulin during pregnancy can prevent any potential liver damage to the fetus 2. Current research has determined that blood transfusions along with intravenous immunoglobulin is an efficient treatment for babies who are diagnosed with neonatal hemochromatosis