Summary
The case records of 40 patients with hemochromatosis histologically proved by liver biopsy in the period 1948–1962 were analyzed, particularly with regard to the presence of associated portal hypertension.
Evidence of portal hypertension was found in 11 (27.5%). Of the 11 patients, 9 had had gastrointestinal hemorrhage at time of diagnosis, and 9 died, at least 6 with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The 2 patients who did not have gastrointestinal hemorrhage were the only ones having undergone periodic phlebotomy; one of these discontinued therapy, subsequently bled, and died. The implication of this relationship is discussed. Of the original total of 11 patients, 10 had gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 10 died, and the hemorrhage was an important factor in the death of 7 of these patients.
Repeated phlebotomy was used in the treatment of 11 of the 40 patients with hemochromatosis, and in none of these did gastrointestinal hemorrhage develop during the period the therapeutic program was carried out.
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Farmer, R.G., Sullivan, B.H. Portal hypertension in hemochromatosis. Digest Dis Sci 9, 56–63 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232679
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232679