Protocol for Treating Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition in which excess iron stores build up in the body. Severe liver and joint disease may occur if the disorder is not treated. The treatment is phlebotomy therapy, or removal of one unit (a pint) of blood every one to 12 weeks, depending on the level of iron overload. The DTM has a protocol for treatment of hemochromatosis by phlebotomy therapy, which uses a simple and easy method to determine the pace of therapy. The blood units removed therapeutically are made available for transfusion into others, if the donor meets standard blood donor eligibility criteria. Phlebotomy therapy and medical care for hemochromatosis are offered free of charge to all study participants. All persons with hemochromatosis are eligible for participation in this study, regardless of whether they meet blood donor criteria.

For more details on the protocol, we encourage you to visit the Protocol Web Site

Or contact the protocol coordinator, Yu Ying Yau, RN, at 301-496-1430. YYau@mail.cc.nih.gov

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