A 29-year-old member asked:
Is it true that phlebotomy is the recommended or effective treatment for hemochromatosis?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brittany Chananswered
Pediatrics 12 years experience
In some cases.: Phlebotomy is the first-line treatment for primary hemochromatosis, a genetic defect that makes a person absorb too much iron(hereditary hemochromatosis). It can prolong life expectancy, prevent complications, and relieve some but not all symptoms. Secondary hemochromatosis, which results from repeated blood transfusions, some anemias, or excessive iron therapy, is usually treated w/ iron chelators.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Liawaty Hoanswered
Hematology and Oncology 25 years experience
Yes: Yes, phlebotomy is the treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis to reduce iron level from the body. Many, many decades ago, leeches were used to remove " poison in the blood".
For other causes of iron overload /hemosiderosis- i.e. Multiple blood transfusion, - iron chelator have been used.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
Yes: Of all the common, deadly hereditary diseases, the efficacy of phlebotomy has made hemochromatosis by far the easiest to manage.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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