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Arthritis and High Alcohol Intake at Diagnosis Increase Future Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HFE

Richard H Goodheart1, Louise E Ramm2,3, Grant A Ramm2,3

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.

Gastro Hep Advances
|April 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Arthritis in patients with HFE hemochromatosis (HH) may indicate a higher risk of developing liver cancer (HCC). This risk is further elevated when combined with significant alcohol consumption at diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • HFE hemochromatosis (HH) is associated with arthritis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Cirrhosis is a primary risk factor for HCC in HH patients.
  • Arthritis is a common HH symptom, linked to cirrhosis and easily diagnosed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical utility of arthritis in predicting the future risk of HCC in HH patients.
  • To determine if arthritis presence at diagnosis can serve as an early indicator for HCC development.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 204 HH patients were followed for a median of 15.2 years.
  • Clinical, biochemical, and cirrhosis data were collected at diagnosis.
  • HCC occurrence was documented through medical records.

Main Results:

  • Ten patients developed HCC during follow-up; 9 had arthritis data.
  • Patients with arthritis at diagnosis had a significantly higher risk of developing HCC (RR=4.57, P=.042).
  • Arthritis and higher alcohol consumption at diagnosis correlated with increased HCC risk.

Conclusions:

  • Arthritis in HH patients is a potential predictor of future HCC risk.
  • The combination of arthritis and higher alcohol consumption at HH diagnosis increases HCC risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
ArthritisHFE HemochromatosisHepatocellular Carcinoma

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