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Clinical Features
Summary
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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.
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.
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