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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38980801

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The genetics of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is understudied in Iran. Here, we report the result of genetic screening of 854 individuals, referred as "suspected cases of HH," to a diagnostic laboratory in Iran over a 12-year period. Materials and Methods: From 2011 to 2012, 121 cases were screened for HH using Sanger sequencing of HFE exons. After 2012, this method was replaced by a commercial reverse hybridization assay (RHA) targeting 18 variants in the HFE, TFR2, and FPN1(SLC40A1) genes and 733 cases were screened using this method. Results: From the total studied population, HH was confirmed by genetic diagnosis in only seven cases (0.82%): two homozygotes for HFE:C282Y and five homozygotes for TFR2:AVAQ 594-597 deletion. In 254 cases (29.7%), H63D, C282Y, S65C, and four other HFE variants not targeted by RHA were identified. Although the resulting genotypes in the latter cases did not confirm HH, some of them were known modifying factors of iron overload or could cause HH in combination with a possibly undetected variant. No variant was detected in 593 cases (69.4%). Conclusion: This study showed that the spectrum of genetic variants of HH in the Iranian population includes HFE and TFR2 variants. However, HH was not confirmed in the majority (99.2%) of suspected cases. This could be explained by limitations of our genetic diagnostics and possible inaccuracies in clinical suspicion of HH. A cooperative clinical and genetic investigation is proposed as a solution to this issue.

2.
World J Clin Pediatr ; 13(2): 92263, 2024 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38947999

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute fulminant liver failure rarely occurs in the neonatal period. The etiologies include viral infection (15%), metabolic/genetic disease (10%), hematologic disorders (15%), and ischemic injury (5%). Gestational alloimmune liver disease usually manifests as severe neonatal liver failure, with extensive hepatic and extrahepatic iron overload, sparing the reticuloendothelial system. Empty liver failure is a rare cause of liver failure where a patient presents with liver failure in the neonatal period with no hepatocytes in liver biopsy. CASE SUMMARY: A 5-week-old male presented with jaundice. Physical examination revealed an alert but deeply icteric infant. Laboratory data demonstrated direct hyperbilirubinemia, a severely deranged coagulation profile, normal transaminase, and normal ammonia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen was suggestive of perinatal hemochromatosis. Liver biopsy showed histiocytic infiltration with an absence of hepatocytes. No hemosiderin deposition was identified in a buccal mucosa biopsy. CONCLUSION: Neonatal liver failure in the absence of hepatocellular regeneration potentially reflects an acquired or inborn defect in the regulation of hepatic regeneration.

3.
Pediatr Hematol Oncol ; : 1-13, 2024 Jul 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38978478

ABSTRACT

Increased liver stiffness (LS) can be result of increased liver iron concentration (LIC) which may not yet be reflected in the liver fibrotic status. The objective of our study was to examine relationship between hemochromatosis, LS, and serum ferritin level in transfusion-dependent patients. We recruited all 70 transfusion-dependent patients, whose median age was 15, referred for evaluating LIC status by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by two-dimensional ultrasonography shear wave elastography (2D-SWE). Thalassemia beta affected the majority of the patients. The optimal cut point for prediction of severe hemochromatosis using median SWE (kPa) and SWV (m/s) was ≥ 7.0 kPa and ≥ 1.54 m/s, respectively, with sensitivity of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55, 0.91) and, specificity of 0.69 (95%CI 0.53, 0.82). When combing the optimal cut point of SWE (kPa) at ≥ 7.0 and serum ferritin ≥ 4123 ng/mL, the sensitivity increased to 0.84 (95%CI 0.64, 0.95) with specificity of 0.67 (95%CI 0.50, 0.80), positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.60 (95%CI 0.42, 0.76), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.88 (95%CI 0.71, 0.96). Simultaneous tests of 2D-SWE and serum ferritin for prediction of severe hemochromatosis showed the highest sensitivity of 84% (95%CI 0.64-0.95), as compared to 2D-SWE alone at 76% (95%CI 0.55, 0.91) or serum ferritin alone at 44% (95%CI 0.24-0.65). We recommend measuring both 2D-SWE and serum ferritin in short interval follow up patients. Adding 2D-SWE to management guideline will help in deciding for aggressive adjustment of iron chelating medication and increased awareness of patients having severe hemochromatosis.

4.
World J Clin Cases ; 12(19): 3961-3970, 2024 Jul 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38994316

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Juvenile hemochromatosis (JH) is an early-onset, rare autosomal recessive disorder of iron overload observed worldwide that leads to damage in multiple organs. Pathogenic mutations in the hemojuvelin (HJV) gene are the major cause of JH. CASE SUMMARY: A 34-year-old male Chinese patient presented with liver fibrosis, diabetes, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hypophysis hypothyroidism, and skin hyperpigmentation. Biochemical test revealed a markedly elevated serum ferritin level of 4329 µg/L and a transferrin saturation rate of 95.4%. Targeted exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed that the proband had a novel mutation c.863G>A (p.R288Q) in the HJV gene which was transmitted from his father, and two known mutations, c.18G>C (p.Q6H) and c.962_963delGCinsAA (p.C321*) in cis, which were inherited from his mother. The p.R288W mutation was previously reported to be pathogenic for hemochromatosis, which strongly supported the pathogenicity of p.R288Q reported for the first time in this case. After 72 wk of intensive phlebotomy therapy, the patient achieved a reduction in serum ferritin to 160.5 µg/L. The patient's clinical symptoms demonstrated a notable improvement. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of screening for hemochromatosis in patients with diabetes and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It also suggests that long-term active phlebotomy could efficiently improve the prognosis in severe JH.

5.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 11: 1417611, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39005658

ABSTRACT

Hemochromatosis, also known as siderosis, is a disease caused by excessive iron deposition in human organs and tissues, resulting from iron metabolism disorders. It is clinically characterized by skin pigmentation (bronze color), liver cirrhosis, diabetes, weakness, and fatigue. Additional symptoms may include arthritis, hypothyroidism, heart failure, and sexual hypofunction. Clinical manifestations can vary from person to person, with a few patients showing no clinical manifestations, which makes the diagnosis difficult for clinicians. In this case report, we described hereditary hemochromatosis related to a mutation in the HAMP gene in Fuyang City, China, as a reference for clinicians. Hereditary hemochromatosis is rarely reported in China. Clinicians in China have relatively insufficient knowledge of this disease, which leads to frequent misdiagnosis. In this case report, we describe hereditary hemochromatosis related to HAMP gene mutation in Fuyang City, China, for the clinician's reference.

6.
Hepatol Forum ; 5(3): 161-164, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39006143

ABSTRACT

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive inherited iron-loading disorder and is characterized by chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes, and bronze skin. The hemochromatosis gene (C282Y homozygosity)-related hemochromatosis is the most common form of HH. The prevalence of HH is varied. Here, we defined six cases with C282Y homozygosity-related HH in a single center in Turkiye.

7.
J Clin Med ; 13(13)2024 Jun 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38999226

ABSTRACT

Hemochromatosis (HC) is the main genetic disorder of iron overload and is regarded as metal-related human toxicosis. HC may result from HFE and rare non-HFE gene mutations, causing hepcidin deficiency or, sporadically, hepcidin resistance. This review focuses on HFE-related HC. The illness presents a strong biochemical penetrance, but its prevalence is low. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with HC remain undiagnosed at their disease-curable stage. The main aim of HC management is to prevent iron overload in its early phase and remove excess iron from the body by phlebotomy in its late stage. Raising global awareness of HC among health staff, teaching them how not to overlook early HC manifestations, and paying attention to careful patient monitoring remain critical management strategies for preventing treatment delays, upgrading its efficacy, and improving patient prognosis.

8.
Hepatol Res ; 2024 Jun 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38850209

ABSTRACT

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is recognized as a progressive iron-storage disorder, and leading to severe organ impairments, including liver cirrhosis. Hereditary hemochromatosis type 3 arises from mutations in the transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) gene. However, HH type 3 is rare in Asia, and information regarding genetic mutations and associated phenotypes remains limited. Here, we reported the case of a Japanese patient with HH type 3, with a novel homozygous mutation of the TFR2 gene. A 69-year-old woman presented to our hospital with hand joint pain and was referred due to liver impairment. Viral hepatitis and autoimmune liver diseases were ruled out. However, the transferrin saturation was 92.2%, and the serum ferritin level was 1611.8 ng/mL. Additionally, abdominal computed tomography showed diffuse increased density of the liver parenchyma. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging also suggested iron deposition. There is no history of prior treatments involving blood transfusions or iron agents. Her parents were involved in a consanguineous marriage, prompting genetic testing. She had a homozygous novel mutation, c.1337G>A (p.G446E), in the TFR2 gene. Serum hepcidin-25 level was decreased to 2.9 ng/mL. According to the American Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics guideline, the mutation was classified as likely pathogenic, leading to the diagnosis of HH type 3. Following phlebotomy, her arthritis resolved, and serum transaminase levels were normalized. This case marks the first demonstration of homozygous mutation, c.1337G>A (p.G446E), in the TFR2 gene in patients with HH type 3.

9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(12)2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38928368

ABSTRACT

Humans are continuously exposed to various heavy metals including copper, iron, cadmium, and arsenic, which were specifically selected for the current analysis because they are among the most frequently encountered environmental mankind and industrial pollutants potentially causing human health hazards and liver injury. So far, these issues were poorly assessed and remained a matter of debate, also due to inconsistent results. The aim of the actual report is to thoroughly analyze the positive as well as negative effects of these four heavy metals on human health. Copper and iron are correctly viewed as pollutant elements essential for maintaining human health because they are part of important enzymes and metabolic pathways. Healthy individuals are prepared through various genetically based mechanisms to maintain cellular copper and iron homeostasis, thereby circumventing or reducing hazardous liver and organ injury due to excessive amounts of these metals continuously entering the human body. In a few humans with gene aberration, however, liver and organ injury may develop because excessively accumulated copper can lead to Wilson disease and substantial iron deposition to hemochromatosis. At the molecular level, toxicities of some heavy metals are traced back to the Haber Weiss and Fenton reactions involving reactive oxygen species formed in the course of oxidative stress. On the other hand, cellular homeostasis for cadmium and arsenic cannot be provided, causing their life-long excessive deposition in the liver and other organs. Consequently, cadmium and arsenic represent health hazards leading to higher disability-adjusted life years and increased mortality rates due to cancer and non-cancer diseases. For unknown reasons, however, liver injury in humans exposed to cadmium and arsenic is rarely observed. In sum, copper and iron are good for the human health of most individuals except for those with Wilson disease or hemochromatosis at risk of liver injury through radical formation, while cadmium and arsenic lack any beneficial effects but rather are potentially hazardous to human health with a focus on increased disability potential and risk for cancer. Primary efforts should focus on reducing the industrial emission of hazardous heavy metals.


Subject(s)
Arsenic , Cadmium , Copper , Iron , Humans , Arsenic/toxicity , Arsenic/adverse effects , Iron/metabolism , Cadmium/toxicity , Cadmium/adverse effects , Copper/toxicity , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/etiology , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism , Liver/metabolism , Liver/drug effects , Metals, Heavy/toxicity , Oxidative Stress/drug effects
10.
BMC Med Genomics ; 17(1): 161, 2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38886778

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Haemochromatosis is a genetic disease characterized by the excessive deposition of iron in various tissues and organs, eventually results in organ damage including cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, etc. SLC40A1-related haemochromatosis is associated with gain-of-function mutations in the SLC40A1 gene, which encodes ferroportin. While sporadic reports of this condition exist in mainland China, the understanding of the phenotype and genetic pattern associated with the SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation remains incomplete. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a pedigree with heterozygous p.Y333H mutation in Chinese Han population. The proband is a 64-year-old man complaining of persistent abnormality of liver enzyme levels for 1 year, with a history of knee joint pain, diabetes and skin pigmentation. He displayed markedly elevated serum ferritin level and transferrin saturation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed iron deposition in the liver, spleen, and pancreas, along with cirrhosis and splenomegaly. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous allelic variant c.997T > C (p.Y333H). Genetic screening of family members identified four first-degree relatives and three second-degree relatives having the same mutation. Additional cases with this mutation from two published studies were included. Among the probands and screened relatives, all eight males aged over 30 y had ferritin level > 1000 µg/L, transferrin saturation > 90%. Four patients with organ damage in the present study received therapeutic phlebotomy, alleviating clinical symptoms and improving in transferrin saturation and serum ferritin. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the largest pedigree with heterozygous SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation in the Chinese population to date. In Chinese families, males over 30 years old with hemochromatosis due to SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation exhibit severe iron overload phenotypes.


Subject(s)
Cation Transport Proteins , Hemochromatosis , Pedigree , Humans , Hemochromatosis/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , China , Cation Transport Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Female
11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719717

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Iron overload (IO) is a complex condition in which clinical, behavioral and genetic factors contribute to the phenotype. In multiethnic and non-Caucasian populations, mutations in HFE gene alone cannot explain IO in most of the cases, and additional genetic and environmental factors must be investigated. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) play a central role in iron homeostasis by modulating HAMP transcription through the signaling pathway that includes SMAD and HJV. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical relevance of BMP6 mutations in a cohort of Brazilian patients with IO. METHODS: 41 patients with IO were evaluated. Blood samples were collected to analyze BMP6 mutations through New Sequence Generations (NGS). Frequency of variants and mutations were analyzed and correlated with clinical and environmental characteristics. RESULTS: We identified BMP6 mutations in three patients with IO. The p.Arg257His mutation was identified in two patients and the p.Leu71Val mutation was identified in one patient. Two of these patients had additional risk factors for IO (HFE mutations and diabetes mellitus). CONCLUSION: BMP6 mutations, when combined to other genetic and clinical risk factors, may contribute to IO. Functional studies and THE evaluation of large cohorts are necessary to fully address BMP6 role in IO.

12.
Transfusion ; 64(7): 1262-1269, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38708765

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic phlebotomy (TP), a widely used medical procedure, can be performed on diverse patients with iron overload or polyglobulia. However, its adverse events are not well known as most of the information on phlebotomy is derived from healthy blood donors (0.1%-5.3%). In contrast, TP is applicable to a broader, more complex population with comorbidities and old age. To ascertain the incidence of adverse events in phlebotomies, we conducted a prospective study on patients who attended our Unit. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We prospectively gathered data from patients referred to our Unit for TP. Data regarding demographics, health status, and adverse events within at least 24 h of phlebotomy were gathered via a structured questionnaire during each visit. RESULTS: Between August 2021 and September 2022, 189 patients underwent 587 procedures. Most patients were men, over 60 (57.3%) had comorbidities, and 93% underwent at least two procedures during the study period. Twenty patients (10.8%) presented 25 adverse events (4.3% of phlebotomies), usually vasovagal reactions, none of which were clinically relevant, and all were managed by nursing staff on site, with full patient recovery. DISCUSSION: The rate of adverse events (<5%) in patients undergoing TP was low and comparable to that seen in healthy blood donors. Consequently, even old patients and those with some comorbidities can safely undergo TP when the process is carefully managed.


Subject(s)
Phlebotomy , Humans , Phlebotomy/adverse effects , Male , Female , Prospective Studies , Middle Aged , Aged , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Iron Overload/etiology , Syncope, Vasovagal/etiology , Syncope, Vasovagal/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires
13.
Cureus ; 16(4): e59025, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38803772

ABSTRACT

Acute hepatitis can result from a wide variety of noninfectious causes that include, but are not limited to, drugs (drug-induced hepatitis), alcohol (alcoholic hepatitis), immunologic (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis), or as a result of indirect insult secondary to biliary tract dysfunction (cholestatic hepatitis), pregnancy-related liver dysfunction, shock, or metastatic disease. In clinical settings, these causes are not uncommon to overlap with each other or are masked by obviously visible causes in medical history. We reported our scenario of a patient who has a heavy history of alcohol use and presented with alcohol withdrawal symptoms and a marked elevation of liver enzymes. Interestingly, further investigations suggested Wilson's disease could be an underlying culprit of acute hepatitis in this patient. This case again emphasized that Wilson's disease can be masked under multiple causes and various scenarios, which alerts clinicians that a broad approach should be made for every case of acute hepatitis.

15.
Liver Int ; 2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38813949

ABSTRACT

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the commonest of the porphyrias (Semin Liver Dis 1998;18:67). It often occurs secondary to an underlying internal disorder, has significant impacts on liver health and longevity, and is a treatable disease. Thus, for the clinician, recognising the disease to make the correct diagnosis, identifying causative underlying diseases, and treating the porphyria and its complications, are crucial. Although reviews on the management of PCT have been written, there have recently been significant advances in the understanding of the factors predisposing to the disease, and of its wider health impacts. This review aims to help the clinician to diagnose and manage patients with PCT, with an emphasis on the impact of recent advances on clinical management.

16.
Heliyon ; 10(7): e28046, 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38560130

ABSTRACT

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a disease characterized by disordered iron metabolism. It often involves mutations of the HFE gene, which encodes the homeostatic iron regulator protein (HFE), as well as mutations affecting hepcidin antimicrobial peptide, hemojuvelin, or transferrin receptor 2. Historically, HH has been observed primarily in European and European diaspora populations, while classical HH is rare in Asian populations, including in China. In this article, we report a rare case of HH in a Chinese man that could be attributed to a heterozygous C282Y/H63D HFE mutation. Based on clinical examination, liver biopsy, and genetic testing results, the patient was diagnosed with HH. Clinical signs and symptoms and serum iron-related test results were recorded for a period of two years after the patient began treatment. Over this observation period, the patient was subjected to 25 phlebotomies (accounting for a total blood loss of 10.2 L). His serum ferritin levels decreased from 1550 µg/L to 454 µg/L, his serum iron concentration decreased from 40 µmol/L to 24.6 µmol/L, and his transferrin saturation decreased from 97.5% to 55.1%. Early diagnosis is essential for patients with HH to obtain good outcomes. Regular phlebotomy after diagnosis can improve HH symptoms and delay HH disease progression.

17.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 11: 1362941, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38566922

ABSTRACT

Background: Elevated serum ferritin with/without HFE variants in asymptomatic persons leads frequently to referral for blood donation. Hemochromatosis (p.C282Y/p.C282Y) only requires treatment. We evaluated safety and feasibility of iron removal in healthy persons with elevated ferritin and HFE variants using blood donation procedures. Materials and methods: Thirty subjects with ferritin >200 ng/mL (women) or >300 ng/mL (men) with p.C282Y/p.C282Y, p.C282Y/p.H63D or p.H63D/p.H63D were randomized to weekly phlebotomy (removal of 450 mL whole blood) or erythrapheresis (removal of 360 mL red blood cells) every 14 days. The ferritin target was <100 ng/mL. A full blood count and ferritin were measured at each visit. Hemoglobin (Hb) ≥140 g/L was required at inclusion. If Hb dropped to <120 g/L (women) or <130 g/L (men), procedures were postponed (7 or 14 days). Primary endpoint was the number of procedures needed to the ferritin target; secondary objectives were duration of treatment and compliance. The treatment effect was tested with Poisson regression; number of procedures and treatment duration were compared between study arms with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Twenty-five of 30 participants were men (83%); mean age was 47 years (SD 10.5), mean BMI 26.6 kg/m2 (SD 3.6); 17 had p.C282Y/p.C282Y, nine p.C282Y/p.H63D, four p.H63D/p.H63D. Median baseline Hb was 150 g/L (IQR 144, 1,559), median ferritin 504 ng/mL (IQR 406,620). Twenty-seven subjects completed the study. Treatment arm (p < 0.001) and HFE variant (p = 0.007) influenced the primary endpoint significantly. To ferritin levels <100 ng/mL, a median number of 7.5 (IQR 6.2, 9.8) phlebotomies and 4.0 (IQR 3.0, 5.8) erythraphereses (p = 0.001) was needed during a median of 66.5 days (IQR 49,103) and 78.5 days (IQR 46139), respectively (p = 0.448). Low Hb was the principal reason for protocol violation; anemia occurred in 13 participants (48%). Immediate complications were infrequent; fatigue was reported after 25% of phlebotomies and 45% of erythraphereses. Thirty-five procedures were postponed because of low Hb and 15 for non-medical reasons. The median interval was 7.0 (IQR 7.7) and 14.0 (IQR 14, 20) days between phlebotomies and erythraphereses, respectively. Conclusion: Blood donation procedures remove iron effectively in HC, but frequent treatments cause Hb decrease and fatigue that can impair feasibility.

18.
J Clin Transl Hepatol ; 12(4): 346-356, 2024 Apr 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38638373

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: The clinical introduction of hepcidin25 (Hep25) has led to a more detailed understanding of its relationship with ferroportin (FP) and divalent metal transporter1 in primary iron overload syndromes (PIOSs). In 2012, we proposed a classification of PIOSs based on the Hep25/FP system, which consists of prehepatic aceruloplasminemia, hepatic hemochromatosis (HC), and posthepatic FP disease (FP-D). However, in consideration of accumulated evidence on PIOSs, we aimed to renew the classification. Methods: We reviewed the 2012 classification and retrospectively renewed it according to new information on PIOSs. Results: Iron-loading anemia was included in PIOSs as a prehepatic form because of the newly discovered erythroferrone-induced suppression of Hep25, and the state of traditional FP-D was remodeled as the BIOIRON proposal. The key molecules responsible for prehepatic PIOSs are low transferrin saturation in aceruloplasminemia and increased erythroferrone production by erythroblasts in iron-loading anemia. Hepatic PIOSs comprise four genotypes of HC, in each of which the synthesis of Hep25 is inappropriately reduced in the liver. Hepatic Hep25 synthesis is adequate in posthepatic PIOSs; however, two mutant FP molecules may resist Hep25 differently, resulting in SLC40A1-HC and FP-D, respectively. PIOS phenotypes are diagnosed using laboratory tests, including circulating Hep25, followed by suitable treatments. Direct sequencing of the candidate genes may be outsourced to gene centers when needed. Laboratory kits for the prevalent mutations, such as C282Y, may be the first choice for a genetic analysis of HC in Caucasians. Conclusions: The revised classification may be useful worldwide.

19.
Int J Dermatol ; 2024 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38647187

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite its rarity, porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is globally recognized as the most common form of cutaneous porphyria. This study aims to review the underlying associations and treatment of PCT in Scotland. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 27 patients diagnosed with PCT between 1987 and 2022 at the Scottish Cutaneous Porphyria Service. RESULTS: Males slightly predominated (66.7%). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age at diagnosis was 55.6 ± 12.5 years. Common associated factors were heavy alcohol intake (88.5%), genetic hemochromatosis (72%), smoking (45.5%), and hepatitis C virus infection (16%). Most had multiple associated factors (70.4%). Patients with genetic hemochromatosis with the C282Y genotype exhibited higher median transferrin saturation (69.5 vs. 35, P = 0.004) and ferritin levels (observed in males only) (1175 vs. 339; P = 0.014) than those with the H636D genotype. Most (52%) received combination therapy of venesection and antimalarials, followed by venesection monotherapy (32%) and antimalarial monotherapy (16%). Overall, 95.2% achieved biochemical improvement. Median time to improvement was 7, 5, and 9 months with venesection, antimalarial, and combined treatments, respectively (P = 0.173). Biochemical remission was achieved in 50% of patients. Remission occurred in 2/4 of patients with antimalarial monotherapy (median time 19 months) and 9/13 patients with combined treatment (median time 26 months). Biochemical relapse was found in three patients, all of whom received combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Excess alcohol intake and genetic hemochromatosis were the most common underlying associations with PCT in our Scottish cohort. Treatment for PCT should be individualized, and long-term follow-up is needed to monitor for disease relapse.

20.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 71(7): e30995, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38616355

ABSTRACT

Hemochromatosis (HC) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of iron in the body, resulting in organ damage. Endocrine complications are particularly common, especially when the condition manifests in childhood or adolescence, when HC can adversely affect linear growth or pubertal development, with significant repercussions on quality of life even into adulthood. Therefore, a timely and accurate diagnosis of these disorders is mandatory, but sometimes complex for hematologists without endocrinological support. This is a narrative review focused on puberty and growth disorders during infancy and adolescence aiming to offer guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and proper follow-up. Additionally, it aims to highlight gaps in the existing literature and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among specialists, which is essential in the era of precision medicine.


Subject(s)
Growth Disorders , Iron Overload , Humans , Adolescent , Child , Iron Overload/etiology , Growth Disorders/etiology , Growth Disorders/physiopathology , Male , Hemochromatosis/diagnosis , Hemochromatosis/therapy , Female , Gonadal Disorders/etiology , Puberty/physiology , Child, Preschool
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