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Hemochromatosis, Classic Hereditary

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Hemochromatosis, Classic Hereditary is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

HH
bronze diabetes
classic hemochromatosis
HFE-related hemochromatosis
hemochromatosis type I
hemosiderosis
primary hemochromatosis

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a general term for several rare genetic disorders that are characterized by the accumulation of iron in various organs of the body such as the liver, heart and pancreas. The abnormally stored iron can damage affected organs, potentially causing a variety of different symptoms. The most common form of hemochromatosis is known by several different names including hemochromatosis type I, HFE-related hemochromatosis, hereditary hemochromatosis and classic hereditary hemochromatosis. Iron accumulation in classic hereditary hemochromatosis occurs slowly over many years. Eventually, iron accumulation causes tissue damage and impaired functioning of affected organs. In many cases, symptoms may not become apparent until some point between 40-60 years of age. Onset is usually earlier for men compared to women. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weakness, lethargy, and unintended weight loss. Without treatment, classic hereditary hemochromatosis can progress to cause serious, life-threatening complications including failure of affected organs.

There are several different disorders associated with excess iron accumulation in the body. Collectively, these different disorders are grouped under the name iron overload disorders. These disorders are caused by mutations to different genes and have different clinical presentations. Classic hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by mutations of the HFE gene. This report primarily deals with classic hereditary hemochromatosis caused by mutation of the HFE gene.

Resources

Iron Overload Diseases Association, Inc.
433 Westwind Dr.
PO Box 15857
West Palm Bch, Fl 33416-5857
Tel: (561)586-8246
Fax: (561)842-9881
Tel: (866)768-8629
Email: iod@ironoverload.org
Internet: http://ironoverload.org

American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane
Suite 603
New York, NY 10038
USA
Tel: (212)668-1000
Fax: (212)483-8179
Tel: (800)465-4837
Email: info@liverfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.liverfoundation.org

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Bldg 31, Rm 9A06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: (301)496-3583
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
7000 Minoru Blvd Suite 272
Richmond
British Columbia, Intl V6Y 3Z5
Canada
Tel: (604) 279-7135
Fax: (604) 279-7138
Tel: (877) 223-4766
Email: office@toomuchiron.ca
Internet: http://www.toomuchiron.ca

American Hemochromatosis Society
4044 W. Lake Mary Blvd.
Suite 104 PMB 416
Lake Mary, FL 32746-2012
USA
Tel: (407)829-4488
Fax: (407)333-1284
Tel: (888)655-4766
Email: mail@americanhs.org
Internet: http://www.americanhs.org

Iron Disorders Institute
PO Box 675
Taylors, SC 29687
USA
Tel: (864)292-1175
Fax: (864)292-1878
Tel: (888)565-4766
Email: info@irondisorders.org
Internet: http://www.irondisorders.org

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Email: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD

Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310)264-0826
Fax: (310)264-4766
Email: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 6/30/2010
Copyright 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2010 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: May 11, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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