Listen to Dr Crimmins (GP) and Dr Coyle (Haematologist) discuss the management a patient with haemochromatosis and some other medical issues

Amongst other problems, 54 year old Ken has Haemochromotosis. Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition in which iron builds up over time in various organs such as the liver, heart and brain. It is most common in Australians whose ancestry is from Northern Europe or the United Kingdom, affecting about 1 in 200-300 of these people. If untreated it leads to conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, cardiomyopathy and diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment however prevents these problems developing.

The learning Objectives for this activity are:

• To recognise the symptoms of haemochromatosis
• To describe the tests that will indicate haemochromatosis
• To indicate the management of haemochromatosis