The most common signs are heptomegaly and arthritis. There are usually other contributing factors for these mutations to become active for iron-overload. Compound heterozygotes have a significant risk of iron-overload, but its severity is mild, and few develop major complications. Estrogens may exert anti-fibrotic effects on the liver and other organs. Pancreas,alcoholic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, obesity, insulin resistance.
Joints osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, other arthritides.
Heart, alcoholic myocardiopathy, viral myocarditis, ischaemic cardiac disease. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadsim usually does not respond to treatment, but venesections can restore pituitary and gonadal function in those patients with endocrine abnormalities of recent onset. Sexual potency in hypogonadic men can be restored with i.m testosterone replacement. In women menstruation and successful pregnancy can be obtained with gonadotrophic and hormonal therapy. Liver damage should have regular follow up of ultrasonography and AFP blood test twice yearly Cardiac echocardiography in early stages detects the presence of interventricular septal thickness that reflects iron deposition.