Testing now available at UWMC for iron overload syndrome

Kris Kowdley, director of the Iron Overload Clinic, discusses treatment options with a patient. Photo by Craig Degginger.

Even normal amounts of dietary iron can have a heavy impact on your health if you have hemochromatosis — the most common genetic disorder in the United States. Also referred to as iron overload syndrome, this condition can cause life-threatening medical problems if left untreated. Yet the availability of a simple screening test and the recent identification of the hemochromatosis gene make widespread testing and evaluation possible.

“Many patients, and even physicians, are not aware of the prevalence of hemochromatosis,” says Dr. Kris Kowdley, director of the new Iron Overload Clinic at UW Medical Center, a multidisciplinary service for the identification and treatment of hemochromatosis. “Both men and women alike can suffer from iron overload for years before any noticeable signs develop.”

Approximately one in 300 Americans have hemochromatosis and one in eight carry the gene for the disease and may pass it to their children. The condition is more common among those of European descent. Hemochromatosis occurs due to the body’s inability to regulate iron absorption. This results in iron building up in the organs, causing damage such as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes and heart failure.

“If you wait until there are symptoms, it can be too late. But if the condition is identified and treated early, a person can have a normal life expectancy,” notes Kowdley.

Symptoms of hemochromatosis do not appear until the later stages of the disease — usually among those aged 40 to 60. Persons with severe iron overload may have arthritis, abdominal pain, fatigue, enlarged liver and bronzed skin that is not caused by sunlight.

Since there may be no symptoms until the condition has progressed, a screening test is the only effective way to identify hemochromatosis in its early stages. This is done through a blood test measuring transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels. A liver biopsy or genetic testing may be appropriate to confirm the diagnosis.

Once a person is diagnosed with hemochromatosis, their physician can develop a treatment plan to avoid serious health problems in years to come. Patients can also receive counseling for family members, since patients’ siblings have a 25 percent chance of developing the condition.

Treatment for hemochromatosis usually begins with regular blood draws to free the body of excess iron stores. This treatment is performed up to two times a week until blood iron levels return to normal. After this time, treatment consists of regular monitoring of iron levels and yearly blood draws. Patients are also advised to avoid foods high in iron, iron supplements and vitamin C supplements that can increase iron absorption into the body.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that persons over age 20 be screened for hemochromatosis.

“Widespread screening for hemochromatosis should become a standard,” notes Kowdley. “If you have questions about hemochromatosis, consult with your physician.”

To reach the UW Medical Center Iron Overload Clinic, call (206) 598-3339. ¶ Julie Rathbun