Iron Overload in the Liver of 2 Children: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Juvenile Hemochromatosis

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2017 Aug;39(6):466-469. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000752.

Abstract

Background: Iron overload disorders are hereditary hemochromatosis and secondary etiologies other than hereditary hemochromatosis. We describe 2 boys presenting with iron overload. Juvenile hemochromatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) related iron overload are the genetic and secondary causes, respectively.

Observations: Both patients benefited from phlebotomy even if they had different etiologies.

Conclusions: In childhood, the diagnosis of iron overload syndromes is crucial because they do not confront us with obvious symptoms and findings. Early initiation of a phlebotomy program can prevent mortality. NASH might lead to iron overload and iron overload might aggravate the clinical course of NASH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Hemochromatosis / complications
  • Hemochromatosis / congenital*
  • Humans
  • Iron Overload / complications*
  • Iron Overload / diagnosis
  • Iron Overload / etiology
  • Iron Overload / therapy
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications*
  • Phlebotomy

Supplementary concepts

  • Hemochromatosis, type 2