Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a systemic metabolic disease characterized by pathologically enhanced iron absorption from food in the gastrointestinal tract and its subsequent accumulation in internal organs. The human body lacks a physiological mechanism for removing excess iron. As a result, the metal is deposited as hemosiderin in the cells of the liver, heart, pancreas, and joints, causing toxic tissue damage, the development of fibrosis, and, consequently, severe organ failure.
Causes of Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is divided into primary and secondary.
Primary (hereditary) hemochromatosis is genetic in nature and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. The most common cause is a mutation in the HFE gene (C282Y or H63D), which regulates the production of the protein hepcidin, responsible for controlling iron absorption.
Secondary hemochromatosis (hemosiderosis) arises as a consequence of other pathological conditions. Repeated blood transfusions (for severe anemias, thalassemia), chronic liver diseases (viral hepatitis C, alcoholic steatohepatitis), and uncontrolled intake of iron supplements lead to iron accumulation.
Symptoms of Hemochromatosis
In the initial stages, the disease is asymptomatic; iron accumulation can last for years. The full clinical picture usually manifests in men aged 40–50 and in women after the onset of menopause (as the excess iron is partially excreted with menstrual blood before this time).
The main clinical manifestations include:
Chronic fatigue, pronounced weakness, and apathy;
Pain and stiffness in the joints (especially the hands);
Specific skin pigmentation (bronze, grayish, or earthy tone);
Liver enlargement, heaviness in the right upper quadrant;
Heart rhythm disturbances, shortness of breath, development of heart failure;
Development of diabetes mellitus (due to pancreatic damage — the so-called "bronze diabetes");
Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosis of Hemochromatosis at "Oberig" Clinic
Early and accurate diagnosis is a key factor for successful treatment. The examination may include:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a special T2* sequence for accurate quantitative measurement of iron concentration in the liver and heart — the clinic is equipped with a Vida 3 Tesla MRI machine and is a reference center for SIEMENS AG in Ukraine.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs with elastography — examinations are performed on ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound systems from SIEMENS AG.
Computed tomography (CT) – examinations are performed on a 128-slice SIEMENS AG CT scanner.
Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy performed by the expert in interventional radiology, Y. Ye. Chirkov (to determine the stage of fibrosis and the hepatic iron index).
Laboratory blood tests (ferritin level, serum iron, transferrin saturation percentage) and genetic testing for HFE gene mutations — performed in our own certified laboratory.
Treatment of Hemochromatosis at "Oberig" Clinic
Conservative treatment for hemochromatosis consists of regular phlebotomies (bloodletting) for mechanical removal of iron from the body and the use of specific metal-binding chelator drugs.
If left untreated, the disease can lead to metabolic liver cirrhosis.
In this case, the only method to save the patient's life is liver transplantation.
Why choose "Oberig" Clinic for the treatment of Hemochromatosis?
Leadership in living-related transplantation: As of March 1, 2026, our specialists have performed 212 liver transplantations (205 of which were from a living related donor) on patients of various ages.
Treatment effectiveness: The success rate after liver transplantation at our center exceeds 85%, which is consistent with the medical statistics of leading world clinics.
Accessibility: Liver transplantation surgery is entirely free of charge for patients thanks to funding under a contract with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU).
Full-cycle clinic: From comprehensive diagnosis of iron metabolism in one clinic (laboratory and instrumental methods) to radical correction of the metabolic defect through liver transplantation.
Infection safety: Strict infection monitoring is carried out at every stage of diagnosis and surgical treatment to minimize the risks of complications.
Sign up for a consultation with Oberig Clinic doctors:
Online consultation appointment: https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/ or call +38 044 521 30 03
