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Hemochromatosis TreatmentHemochromatosis Treatment
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Subjects > Health > Blood Topics > Hemochromatosis
Excess iron is stored in body tissues, especially the liver, heart and pancreas.
Once iron levels return to normal, maintenance therapy, which involves giving a pint of blood every 2 to 4 months for life, begins. Some people may need it more often. An annual blood ferritin test will help determine how often blood should be removed.
The earlier hemochromatosis is diagnosed and treated in appropriate cases, the better. If treatment begins before any organs are damaged, associated conditions--such as liver disease, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes--can be prevented. The outlook for people who already have these conditions at diagnosis depends on the degree of organ damage. For example, treating hemochromatosis can stop the progression of liver disease in its early stages, which means a normal life expectancy. However, if cirrhosis has developed, the person's risk of developing liver cancer increases, even if iron stores are reduced to normal levels. Appropriate regular follow-up with a specialist is necessary.
People who have complications of hemochromatosis may want to consider getting treatment from a specialized hemochromatosis center. These centers are located throughout the country. Information is available from the organizations listed under For More Information.
People with hemochromatosis should not take iron supplements. Those who have liver damage should not drink alcoholic beverages because they may further damage the liver.
Although treatment cannot cure the conditions associated with established hemochromatosis, it will help most of them. The main exception is arthritis, which does not improve even after excess iron is removed.
See also WikiLiver for details about the effect on liver function...
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