What is the treatment of choice for HH in symptomatic as well as asymptomatic patients?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Therapeutic phlebotomy, which involves the removal of a portion of the affected individual's blood, is the treatment of choice for iron overload in symptomatic patients, as well as asymptomatic patients with a serum ferritin greater than 1000 μg/L or an elevated fasting transferrin saturation. This intervention is a simple, effective and inexpensive method to reduce the iron burden in patients with HH. Chelating agents are drugs that bind to iron and prevent its use or deposition in the body. These are rarely needed in patients with HH due to the efficacy of phlebotomy, but may be considered in special cases. Liver transplant is the only treatment for HH patients with end-stage liver disease. Historically, post-transplant survival in this patient population has been poor, but this has greatly improved in recent years. Dietary management should involve avoidance of iron-containing supplements and limited intake of foods that are high in iron, such as red meat. Consumption of excessive amounts of vitamin C should also be avoided-this water-soluble vitamin increases absorption of dietary iron. Patients with impaired hepatic function should avoid drinking alcohol because iron and alcohol have synergistic hepatotoxic effects.

What Is the Treatment of Choice for HH in Symptomatic