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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122105433im_/http://www.cdc.gov/images/spacer.gif)
Case Studies
Case Study 4: An African American man may be susceptible to
hemochromatosis.
Patrick is a 50-year-old overweight African American male with complaints
of abdominal pain. Past Medical History:
- Recently diagnosed with diabetes, which is well controlled by diet
and oral agents.
- Denies routine blood donation.
Family History:
- Mother age 75 with adult-onset diabetes and arthritis.
Social History:
- Drinks a glass of wine occasionally with dinner, denies use of
tobacco, denies use of recreational drugs.
- Eats red meat and "fried foods." Denies eating raw shellfish.
Physical Exam:
- Possible palpable liver.
- Height: 5'10" Weight: 205 lbs.
- Vital signs: Within normal limits.
After reviewing Patrick's medical record, please respond to the
questions below with your best possible answers. Response formats vary
within the case study. Some questions will be open-ended, requiring you to
compare your response to the expert opinion. Other questions will be
multiple choice or drop-down choices.
Summary of Case Study
- African Americans may be at risk for hemochromatosis. Patrick’s
symptoms are vague and required evaluation of serum iron measures.
- Although it is rare to find HFE mutations in African Americans with
iron overload (McNamara L, 1998), these mutations have been found in a few
individuals (Barton JC and Acton RT, 2000 and 2001). It has been suggested that
their appearance is due to admixture. Current research suggests that
genes other than HFE are responsible for the majority of iron overload
in African Americans.
- The patient's liver disease does not appear to be related to iron
overload.
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