Treatment
Table 6. Response to Phlebotomy Treatment in Patients
with HH
Reduction of tissue iron stores to normal
Improved survival if diagnosis and treatment before development of cirrhosis and diabetes
Improved sense of well-being, energy level
Improved cardiac function
Improved control of diabetes
Reduction in abdominal pain
Reduction in skin pigmentation
Normalization of elevated liver enzymes
Reversal of hepatic fibrosis (in approximately 30% of cases)
No reversal of established cirrhosis
Elimination of risk of HH-related HCC if iron removal is achieved before development of
cirrhosis
Reduction in portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis
No (or minimal) improvement in arthropathy
No reversal of testicular atrophy
