Geraldine M. McCarthy, MD Department of Medicine, University College and Mater Misericordiae Hospital; and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin
Conor J. McCarthy, MD Department of Medicine, University College and Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin
Dermot Kenny, MD Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin
John Crowe, MD, PhD Department of Medicine, University College and Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin
Stephen Eustace, MB Department of Radiology, University College and Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin
Address: Geraldine M. McCarthy, MD, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; e-mail: gmccarthy@rcsi.ie
ABSTRACTHereditary hemochromatosis in people of northern European descent is more common than many physicians realize. It causes excessive gastrointestinal absorption of iron, leading to potentially fatal iron deposition in multiple organs. Early diagnosis and phlebotomy to reduce iron stores can prevent complications and provide normal life expectancy. Genetic testing of relatives of patients with hemochromatosis is warranted in some circumstances.
