Like Cystic Fibrosis, it generally shows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, and one in ten Irish people carries its recessive gene. It usually confers lifelong excessive absorption of iron from the gut, leaving heavy deposits in vital organs. It may present in many ways, sometimes with chronic fatigue, bronze pigmentation of the skin, alopecia and a firm enlarged liver. Serum Ferritin levels will confirm. Many victims develop Diabetes, and possible complication in the kidneys, nervous and peripheral vascular systems may arise.
Treatment usually consists of regular venesection.
It is particularly common in Celtic peoples. Helps members with problems. Counselling for those who are HIV positive. Information and advice. Emotional and financial support for patients and their families.