Clinical management of iron overload.

HHC is a common inherited disorder, characterized by iron accumulation in the liver, heart, pancreas, and other organs. The clinical consequences of systemic iron loading are diverse and not always improved with iron reduction therapy. The most important prognostic factor at the time of diagnosis is the presence or absence of hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Those without significant hepatic fibrosis may be expected to have a normal life expectancy with phlebotomy therapy. The availability of genetic testing for HHC has significantly changed the diagnostic approach to this disorder. Although liver biopsy remains vital to determining prognosis, genetic testing is increasingly used in the diagnosis and family screening of patients with HHC.