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Arthropathy in juvenile hemochromatosis
George Vaiopoulos1, George Papanikolaou, Marianna Politou
1University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. georgi@otenet.gr
Objective:
To evaluate whether arthropathy is associated with juvenile hemochromatosis and, if so, to assess the relationship between this feature and other clinical features of the disease.
Methods:
Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic evidence of arthropathy was studied in 8 Greek patients with genetically proven juvenile hemochromatosis. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were assessed by bone mineral density measurement.
Results:
Seven of the 8 patients had articular manifestations. The main affected joint was the metacarpophalangeal joint, and the arthritis was progressive independent of phlebotomy therapy. Osteopenia was observed in 2 patients, and osteoporosis in 2 patients.
Conclusion:
Arthropathy may be present in patients with juvenile hemochromatosis, with features similar to those found in patients with hemochromatosis type 1.