Hepatocellular Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Hepatocellular and links to relevant pages within the course.
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| Prognosis and Mortality The major determinant of prognosis in cases of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is the degree of organ damage from iron overload at the point of diagnosis. The presence of liver cirrhosis reduces life expectancy. Damage that has occurred to tissues and organs is irreversible, but further damage can be halted with treatment. When there is no evidence of cirrhosis at time of diagnosis, life expectancy may be equal to that of persons without HH. With proper management of HH through treatment, affected individuals have good long-term outcomes. Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and cardiac failure are the most common causes of death in persons with HH. Compared to the normal population, liver cancer is many times more prevalent as a cause of death in persons with HH. Cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and cirrhosis are all more common causes of death among persons with HH than among normal persons. The earlier HH is detected, before the onset of severe organ damage, the lower the risk of mortality. | View Page |
| Rationale for Treatment Treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is typically indicated for iron overload in symptomatic patients. The goal of therapy is to reduce stored iron which may result in reversal or resolution of some symptoms and improve prognosis. Causes of death in patients with HH include serious medical conditions such as hepatocellular carcimoma, cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. Ideally, treatment should begin before these conditions develop. The earlier HH is detected, before the onset of severe organ damage, the lower the risk of mortality. | View Page |
| Which of the following is NOT a cause of death in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH)? | View Page |