Clinical Manifestations of Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis, like many other liver diseases, can be quite silent in their initial clinical manifestations. The most common way of arriving at a diagnosis is through the evaluation of abnormalities in liver function tests and the screening relatives of people affected. Currently the format of classic “bronze diabetes”, associated with cirrhosis is highly unusual.
The hemochromatosis may manifest:
- Fatigability
- Diabetes
- Alterations in liver function tests: Since slight alterations to decompensated cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
- Arthralgia: Associated crystal deposition arthropathy of calcium pyrophosphate (chondrocalcinosis).
- Helplessness: On the decline in gonadal function (usually secondary hypogonadism).
- Cardiac disorders: electrocardiographic changes may be asymptomatic to heart failure with dilated cardiomyopathy or conduction disturbances.
- Skin hyperpigmentation
- Increased risk of infections: Some bacteria such as Yersinia, Listeria and Vibrio thrive in environments rich in – iron. These infections are relatively common in people with hemochromatosis.
The factors that accelerate liver disease progression to cirrhosis are alcohol and hepatitis virus infection (particularly hepatitis C).
Once cirrhosis has developed, the risk of hepatoma is higher than in cirrhosis of other causes.