[Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis]

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an iron overload disease caused by mutations in iron-regulating genes, resulting in excessive iron deposition in organs such as the liver, heart, skin, pancreas, and gonads, leading to corresponding multi-system damage. This condition is relatively common in European and American populations, primarily caused by mutations in the HFE gene; however, it is rare in China and other Asian countries, almost exclusively due to mutations in non-HFE genes. Clinical features include unexplained chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, accompanied by elevated serum ferritin and/or increased transferrin saturation. MRI shows iron deposition in the liver, liver biopsy reveals iron accumulation in hepatocytes, and genetic testing facilitate the diagnosis of this disease. Repeated phlebotomy is the first-line therapy for this condition. For those who cannot tolerate phlebotomy, iron chelation therapy may be used, and patients who progress to end-stage liver disease will require liver transplantation. To assist clinicians in making informed decisions on the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis, the Chinese Society of Hepatology, Chinese Medical Association has invited experts from clinical medicine, molecular genetics, pathology, imaging, and methodology to systematically summarize the advancement in this field and collaboratively develop the current guidelines.