Digestive Diseases: Inherited Liver Diseases

The two most commoninheritedliverdiseases arehemochromatosisand alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosisis a disease in which deposits of iron collect in the liver and other organs. The primary form of this disease is the most commoninherited diseasein the U.S. When one family member has this disorder, siblings, parents and children are also at risk.

A secondary form of hemochromatosis is not genetic and is caused by other diseases, such asthalassemia(a genetic blood disorder that causesanemia) and severealcoholism.

Hemochromatosis affects men five times more often than it does women, especially those of Western European descent. Because women lose blood throughmenstruation, women are unlikely to show signs ofiron overloaduntil 10 or more years aftermenopause.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemochromatosis?

The symptoms of hemochromatosis include:

• Liver disease
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplainedweight loss
• A darkening of the skin frequently referred to as "bronzing"
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of sexual desire

People with hemochromatosis may also have signs ofdiabetesandheart diseaseand may also developliver cancer,cirrhosis, testicular atrophy (wasting away), and chronicabdominal pain.

How Is Hemochromatosis Diagnosed and Treated?

Whenever hemochromatosis is suspected, a blood test to look for excess iron in the blood and aliver biopsyare performed.

The goal of treatment is to remove excess iron from the body, as well as reduce any symptoms or complications that have resulted from the disease.

Excess iron is removed from the body in a procedure called phlebotomy. During the procedure, one-half liter of blood are removed from the body each week for a period of two to three years or until the iron build up has been reduced.

After this initial treatment, phlebotomies are needed less frequently. The frequency varies based on individual circumstances.

To help keep iron levels down, people with hemochromatosis need to avoid iron, most commonly found in vitamin preparations. If you have hemochromatosis, your doctor or dietitian will put together adiet这是适合你。Alcoholavoidance is usually recommended.

If hemochromatosis has causedcirrhosis, the risk of livercancerbecomes higher. As a result, screening forcancershould be performed on a regular basis.

Alpha-1 Anti-Trypsin Deficiency

In this inheritedliver diseasean important liver protein known as alpha-1 anti- trypsin, is either lacking or exists in lower than normal levels in the blood. People with alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency are able to produce this protein; however, the disease prevents it from entering the bloodstream and it instead accumulates in the liver.

Alpha-1 anti-trypsin protein protects thelungsfrom damage due to naturally occurring enzymes. When the protein is too low or non-existent, the lungs can become damaged, leading to difficultybreathingand, in 75% of the people with the condition,emphysema. People with this disease are also at risk of developing cirrhosis .

What Are the Symptoms of Alpha-1 Anti-Trypsin Deficiency?

The first signs of alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency will usually be symptoms of its effects on the lungs, includingshortness of breathorwheezing. Unexplainedweight lossand a barrel-shaped chest, which is commonly associated with the presence of liver disease, are also signs of the condition. As the disease progresses, symptoms typical ofemphysemaor cirrhosis may appear, and include:

• Fatigue
• Chronic cough
• Swelling of the ankles andfeet
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Vomiting

How Is Alpha-1 Anti-Trypsin Deficiency Diagnosed and Treated?

Physical signs, such as a barrel-shaped chest and respiratory problems, may lead your doctor to suspect alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency. A blood test that tests specifically for the alpha-1 anti-trypsin protein will help confirm the diagnosis.

There is no established treatment for alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency but it can be treated by replacing the protein in the bloodstream. However, experts are not clear on how effective this technique is and who should receive it. Other approaches to treating alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency involve treating the complications such as emphysema and cirrhosis. This includes antibiotics to combat respiratory infections, inhaled medication to make breathing easier, and diuretics and other measures to reduce any fluid build up in the abdomen.

Personal behavior, such as avoiding alcohol, quittingsmokingand eating a healthydiet, can also help keep symptoms and complications from becoming severe. Your doctor or dietitian can recommend a diet that is right for you.

Because the disease affects the lungs, people with the condition are more prone to respiratory infections. Therefore bothfluandpneumoniavaccinationsare recommended to help prevent these infections. If you feel you are developing acoldorcough, contact your doctor so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Occasionally the lungs or liver deteriorates despite treatment. In such cases, liver transplantation may be advised.

What Is the Prognosis for People With Inherited Liver Diseases?

With proper treatment, hemochromatosis and alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency disease are usually not fatal. However, complications associated with the diseases can be. It is very important that people with inherited liver diseases do all they can to stay healthy.

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, April 2004.

WebMD Medical Reference

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