Haemochromatosis (or ‘iron overload’) is an inherited disorder which causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. The excess iron gradually accumulates, usually in the liver, pancreas, joints, heart or endocrine glands.
Ireland has the highest rates of haemochromatosis in the world, where approximately 1 in 83 people are at risk of developing haemochromatosis and 1 in 5 are carrriers of the gene.
Iron builds up slowly so symptoms may not appear until age 30 or 40. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, diabetes
The treatment of choice and the most effective strategy for the management of Haemochromatosis is Venesection (Phlebotomy), which means the removal of blood
An iron panel blood test can confirm or rule out iron overload. If both serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TS) levels are raised, then a genetic test should be carried out
Links to patient information guides, diet and haemochromatosis, research and managing haemochromatosis for patients, GPs and nursing professionals
Get in touch via our helpline or email on our contact us page, our team is always ready to advise and support
We welcome all donations, which will help patients and their families and provide vital information and support services
Our members and supporters give us a collective voice to help promote awareness of haemochromatosis in Ireland and internationally. We are passionate about promoting early awareness of haemochromatosis.
You can keep up-to-date with our work and our news and events, by signing up for membership of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association or by making a donation to help us advocate for people and families with haemochromatosis.
Come along to our next patient information event in Sligo on Wednesday 8th May at 7.30pm in the Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo. All are welcome to attend this free in-person event. We look forward to seeing you all there. For more information email – [email protected]
Our Members’ AGM takes place on Saturday 13th April 2024, with Guest Speakers Professor Geraldine McCarthy, Consultant Rheumatologist, Mater Hospital Dublin and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Fiona Colclough, Beaumont Hospital Dublin. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day!
‘Raising awareness of Haemochromatosis’ article appeared in the March 2024 issue of Hospital Professional News, featuring a Gastroenterology & Endocrinology focus. You can read a copy of the article from the Irish Haemochromatosis Association as a pdf or online.
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