Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is by far the most common inherited cause of iron overload (1). Without diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, there is a risk that iron overload will occur resulting in tissue damage and potentially premature death. Less common forms of iron overload associated with mutations of transferrin receptor 2, (TFR2), hepcidin, hemojuvelin, and a sub-type of ferroportin (1) will not be discussed. 

 

Celiac Sprue

Celiac Sprue, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or nontropical sprue is a disease primarily affecting the small bowel caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Over the past several decades, it has become apparent that celiac sprue is often underdiagnosed due to minimal or no clinical symptoms. Studies suggest that celiac sprue is present in 1:250 to 1:500 persons in most countries (1,2). Celiac sprue is particularly common in populations from Northern Europe and Western Ireland.

 

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a general term indicating inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses, drugs, lack of blood flow (ischemia) and in some cases the immune system attacks the liver causing “autoimmune hepatitis.” Autoimmune hepatitis can occur in all age groups and both genders, however, it is most common in young adults and those in the fourth-sixth decades and is more common in women with an 3.6:1 female to male predominance (1-3).

 

Liver Disorder

Your liver is a vital organ for everything from digesting and absorbing nutrients, to building important bodily proteins, to filtering toxic substances from your blood. When it starts acting up, there are a variety of liver disorders and conditions that may be to blame.

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