How to treat: Hereditary haemochromatosis

■ Hereditary haemochromatosis is one of a number of iron loading conditions ■ Functional organ failure may occur as a result of excess iron deposition in a number of organ systems ■ HFE-gene-related haemochromatosis is the most common genetic defect in Australians, affecting about 1:200-300 Australians. ■ Only a minority of C282Y homozygous persons develop iron overload ■ Fatigue, lethargy, arthralgia and loss of libido are common presenting symptoms ■ Treatment of hereditary haemochromatosis before the development of cirrhosis is associated with a normal life expectancy ■ Regular phlebotomy will establish normal iron stores in the majority of patients.