Training & Education - Clincial Features
Summary

Clinical expression

• The iron accumulation rate and the frequency and severity of clinical symptoms vary widely and may be dependent on factors such as age, gender, and diet.

Early stages

• The most commonly associated early hemochromatosis symptoms are non-specific and may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Weakness.
  • Weight loss.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Arthralgia.
• As iron accumulation progresses, patients may also experience:
  • Arthritis.
  • Symptoms of gonadal failure.
    • For example, amenorrhea, early menopause, loss of libido, impotence.
  • Shortness of breath/dyspnea.
• Maintain a high index of suspicion of hemochromatosis for patients with early signs or symptoms of this disease.

Advanced stages

• Iron accumulates in the parenchymal cells of several organs; the liver is a major site followed by the heart and pancreas.
• The liver is usually the first organ to be affected, but signs of organ damage occur in the later stages of the disease.

Primary Disorders Associated with Advanced Hemochromatosis

• Most advanced hemochromatosis complications are also common primary disorders.
• A hemochromatosis diagnosis can be missed even in advanced stages unless looked for specifically.

 

Test Your Knowledge

This is an optional self-quiz and is not required for continuing education credit.

Select the best answers below. If you need help, feel free to go back to Clinical Expression and review.

 

Question 1: Which of the following patient presentations might prompt you to consider hemochromatosis? Select the best answer(s) below: An older, thin person with recent onset of diabetes and no family history of diabetes. A young person with pain in the second and third metacarpal joints. A middle-aged person with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, arthralgia, and weakness who has had numerous office visits.

Question 2: As iron accumulation progresses, patients may experience loss of libido and impotence. True False

 

 

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