Haemochromatosis
For people with MS who are experiencing chronically fatiguing symptoms, Haemochromatosis is a condition which may be worth checking for.
Haemochromatosis is a differential diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome, which is an indication of how seriously fatiguing the condition can be. A hereditary disease, it is caused by gene mutations that cause iron to accumulate in the body. Diagnosis can be difficult because like MS, in the early stages, symptoms can be non-specific and vague. Sufferers can be accused of malingering, or advised that it is ‘all in their head’, or even suspected of being closet alcoholics once liver bloodwork becomes abnormal. Haemochromatosis is another of those disorders that is a great mimic of other illnesses.
There is no suggestion that haemochromatosis is related to the onset of MS. It is mentioned here as a controllable cause of fatigue that may be missed by doctors, and which can be investigated by those with MS who are seeking to maximise their health in all dimensions. Of particular interest to people with MS is that the earliest symptoms involve fatigue, stiffness, aching muscles and joints, with arthritic type pain often noticed in the finger joints. As the accumulation of iron progresses, the liver and other organs including the heart may become damaged.
Of further interest is that it is common disorder, affecting around 1 in 200 people and almost exclusively in people who are of Northern European descent. The disorder seems to become more apparent after the age of forty, and women are most at risk of developing complications after menopause, when menstruation ceases.
A blood test that looks at iron studies can give an early indication that things are awry. This Haemochromatosis Australia website lists the levels of serum iron, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation that would act as red flags. http://haemochromatosis.org.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/haemochromatosis_YQA_2013webversion.pdf
If haemochromatosis is suspected, then a straightforward blood test that looks for the genes associated with this disorder can be ordered. The above link also discusses the different genetic combinations, and the resulting risk of developing the disorder.
Haemochromatosis cannot be treated by diet. Treatment is to restore iron levels to normal and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent organ damage and lead to normal life expectancy. The main treatment is removal of an appropriate amount of blood from the patient at regular intervals.
People with MS who are suffering severe fatigue may wish to investigate their iron status and genetic susceptibility to haemochromatosis, since this disorder is an easily treatable cause of fatigue, and can be easily ruled out as a contributing factor to chronically fatiguing symptoms in MS patients.
Links:
Victorian Better Health Channel page on Haemochromatosis https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis Australia website http://haemochromatosis.org.au/explanation/
Self-help for quality of life
For people with MS who are experiencing chronically fatiguing symptoms, Haemochromatosis is a condition which may be worth checking for.
Haemochromatosis is a differential diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome, which is an indication of how seriously fatiguing the condition can be. A hereditary disease, it is caused by gene mutations that cause iron to accumulate in the body. Diagnosis can be difficult because like MS, in the early stages, symptoms can be non-specific and vague. Sufferers can be accused of malingering, or advised that it is ‘all in their head’, or even suspected of being closet alcoholics once liver bloodwork becomes abnormal. Haemochromatosis is another of those disorders that is a great mimic of other illnesses.
There is no suggestion that haemochromatosis is related to the onset of MS. It is mentioned here as a controllable cause of fatigue that may be missed by doctors, and which can be investigated by those with MS who are seeking to maximise their health in all dimensions. Of particular interest to people with MS is that the earliest symptoms involve fatigue, stiffness, aching muscles and joints, with arthritic type pain often noticed in the finger joints. As the accumulation of iron progresses, the liver and other organs including the heart may become damaged.
Of further interest is that it is common disorder, affecting around 1 in 200 people and almost exclusively in people who are of Northern European descent. The disorder seems to become more apparent after the age of forty, and women are most at risk of developing complications after menopause, when menstruation ceases.
A blood test that looks at iron studies can give an early indication that things are awry. This Haemochromatosis Australia website lists the levels of serum iron, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation that would act as red flags. http://haemochromatosis.org.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/haemochromatosis_YQA_2013webversion.pdf
If haemochromatosis is suspected, then a straightforward blood test that looks for the genes associated with this disorder can be ordered. The above link also discusses the different genetic combinations, and the resulting risk of developing the disorder.
Haemochromatosis cannot be treated by diet. Treatment is to restore iron levels to normal and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent organ damage and lead to normal life expectancy. The main treatment is removal of an appropriate amount of blood from the patient at regular intervals.
People with MS who are suffering severe fatigue may wish to investigate their iron status and genetic susceptibility to haemochromatosis, since this disorder is an easily treatable cause of fatigue, and can be easily ruled out as a contributing factor to chronically fatiguing symptoms in MS patients.
Links:
Victorian Better Health Channel page on Haemochromatosis https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis Australia website http://haemochromatosis.org.au/explanation/
Self-help for quality of life