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  1. Healthcare professionals
  2. Primary care
  3. Diagnosis & care

Diagnosis & care

In Autumn 2019 we published the UK's first guide for primary care for the diagnosis & care of people with genetic haemochromatosis.

This guide contains everything a GP needs to know about genetic haemochromatosis, including prevelence, genetics, early, classic and late symptoms, primary care testing and primary care pathway. It also covers treatment and ongoing management. 

Download GP Guide

This guide is fully endorsed by our clinical advisory panel.

Booklet Summary

Genetic haemochromatosis is the UK’s most common genetic condition, directly affecting over 380,000[1] people. Although it is commonplace, the condition is significantly under-diagnosed in the UK.

Prevalence

Prevalence of the condition varies regionally :

  • Scotland : 1 in 113 people directly affected
  • Northern Ireland : 1 in 113 people directly affected
  • England : 1 in 150 people directly affected
  • Wales : 1 in 150 people directly affected

Clinical causes

GH is caused by the inheritance of two mutated copies of the HFE gene. 

  • C282Y/C282Y homozygous (95%) gives the highest risk of iron overload.
  • C282Y/H63D compound heterozygotes (4%)
  • H63D/H63D homozygous least likely to overload iron.

Typical symptoms

The three most common early symptom are:

  1. Joint pains - stiffness and swelling particularly hands and fingers.
  2. Fatigue
  3. Cognitive/psychological issues.

Other symptoms to consider are, IBS, pancreatitis, fatty liver with no alcohol abuse history, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, cardiomyopathy or heart failure and diabetes.

Treatment

The primary form of treatment is venesection, although some patients with poor physiology or tolerance for needles may benefit from chelation therapy.

 

Published: 18th December, 2019

Updated: 10th February, 2020

Author:

Related topics:
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