Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that hereditary hemochromatosis is a disease that leads to an abnormal increase in the amount of dietary iron that is absorbed in the blood. The paper looks at the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and points out that following successful treatment, patients can be expected to lead a normal life. The paper notes, however, that without treatment, organ failure may at times lead to death. The paper reveals that more than ten percent of Caucasians are carriers and one in three hundred are afflicted with this disease. The paper contends that more needs to be done to educate both the public and healthcare providers about this disease.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When an individual is asked to name the most prevalent hereditary disease, most would think of diseases such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or even hemophilia. Most, however, have never even heard of the most prevalent - hereditary hemochromatosis, a disease which inflicts one in every three hundred Caucasians, and demonstrates that one in every nine Caucasian is a carrier (Mercola). It is this continued need for information distribution to the general public that is an inspiration in the human biology field."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams P, Speechley M, Kertesz A. "Long-Term Survival Analysis in Hereditary Hemochromatosis." Gastroenterology (101) 1991: pp. 368-72.
• Beutler, E. "History of Iron in Medicine." Blood Cells, Molecules and Diseases. (29) 2002: pp. 297-308.
• Fleming, R. & Bacon, R. "Orchestration of Iron Homeostasis." The New England Journal of Medicing 352(17). 28 Apr 2005. pp. 1741-1745.
• Laudicina, R. "Searching for Hereditary Hemochromatosis." Clinical Laboratory Science 19(3) Summer 2006: pp. 174-163. ProQuest Database. ProQuest. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. September 20, 2006 <http://proquest.umi.com>.
• Mercola, J. Dr. "The Most Prevalent Inherited Disease - Hemochromatosis." Mercola.com. 2005. Mercola.com. September 20, 2006 <http://www.mercola.com/2000/jan/9/most_prevalent_inherited%20_disease.htm>.

More papers on Hereditary Hemochromatosis:

• Essay # 1265 : "Hereditary Parkinsonism: Study Towards Designing a Cure"
• Analytical Essay # 8787 : "Addiction: Hereditary or Socially Driven Deviant Behavior?"
• Essay # 34873 : "Common Sense"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: