Inherited Conditions Flashcards
What is haemochromatosis
iron storage disorder that results in excessive total body iron and deposition of iron in tissues
Which gene is associated with haemochromatosis
- human haemochromatosis protein (HFE) gene is located on chromosome 6
- Auto-somal recessive
When do symptoms of haemochromatosis generally begin
- around age 40
- later in woman due to menstruation
What are the symptoms of haemochromatosis
Chronic tiredness
Joint pain
Pigmentation (bronze / slate-grey discolouration)
Hair loss
Erectile dysfunction
Amenorrhoea
Cognitive symptoms (memory and mood disturbance)
Investigations for haemochromatosis
- Serum ferritin
- transferrin saturation: To rule out ferritin as acute phase reactant
- Genetic testing if above are high
- Liver biopsy
- CT abdo/MRI
What stain is used in liver biopsy to test for Haemochromatosis
- Perl’s stain can be used to establish the iron concentration in the parenchymal cells
- used to be the gold standard
What are the complications of haemachromatosis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Iron deposits in the pituitary and gonads lead to endocrine and sexual problems (hypogonadism, impotence, amenorrhea, infertility)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Chrondocalcinosis / pseudogout causing arthritis
What is the management of haemochromatosis
Venesection (a weekly protocol of removing blood to decrease total iron)
Monitoring serum ferritin
Avoid alcohol
Genetic counselling
Monitoring and treatment of complications
What is Wilson’s disease
excessive accumulation of copper in the body and tissues
What gene is involved in Wilson’s Disease
- “Wilson disease protein” on chromosome 13.
- (ATP7B copper-binding protein)
- Autosomal recessive
What are the features of Wilson’s Disease
Hepatic problems (40%) Neurological problems (50%) Psychiatric problems (10%) Haemolytic anaemia Renal tubular damage leading to renal tubular acidosis Osteopenia
What neurological symptoms can occur due to Wilsons disease
- Concentration and coordination difficulties
- dysarthria (speech difficulties)
- dystonia (abnormal muscle tone
- Parkinsonism
What are Kayser-Fleischer rings
- deposition of copper in Descemet’s corneal membrane
-
How do you diagnose Wilson’s disease
- serum caeruloplasmin (low)
- Low serum copper
- Kayser-Fleischer rings
- MRI brain shows nonspecific changes
What is serum caeruloplasmin
- protein that carries copper in the blood
- can be falsely normal or elevated in cancer or inflammatory conditions
- Not specific