Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Commons^™

Understanding Hereditary Hemochromatosis, Kari Davidson

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

One of the most common genetic diseases, hereditary hemochromatosis is a disruption of iron regulation in the body. Its geographic distribution is worldwide, but it is most common in those of northern European origin. (Roach and Di Palma, 2012). Occurrence is rare in other racial or ethnic groups. (Emanuele, Tuason, & Edwards, 2014). Symptoms are due to significant iron overload, normally as a result of HFE gene mutation. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The HFE gene plays an important role in regulating iron absorption in the GI tract, transport, and storage. (Emanuele, et al., 2014). If excess iron …