Haemochromatosis

Iron is vital for many basic cellular processes, including the transport of oxygen and electrons. In excess, these potent oxidative processes can lead to tissue damage and fibrosis, resulting in organ failure. Iron overload may occur as a genetic condition termed ‘hereditary haemochromatosis’ (HHC) or as a secondary event (Figure 1). The genetic and metabolic defects that cause HHC have recently been defined, increasing knowledge of the condition and making screening, testing and early diagnosis and treatment feasible