There are at least five other identified forms of the disease. These include neonatal and juvenile forms.
Neonatal haemochromatosis (NH) is a rare condition that occurs while a baby is developing in the mother's womb. Toxic levels of iron accumulate in the liver and in other parts of the body. This is usually lethal to the baby before birth or in the early stages of life, although drug treatment and/or a liver transplant have helped some babies to survive the disease. It is not considered to be an inherited disorder. However, the risk of a woman having another baby with NH after her first is much higher.
When severe iron overload is detected in someone under the age of 30 it is called juvenile
haemochromatosis (JH). Unlike genetic haemochromatosis, the condition affects both sexes
equally. The effects of early iron overload are generally more severe and can lead to extensive organ damage in people aged between 15 and 30.
Juvenile haemochromatosis is inherited. Fortunately, both juvenile and neonatal forms of the disease are very rare.
Other inherited blood disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia can cause iron overload. Here, overload occurs when the body accumulates iron in an attempt to counteract anaemia, and by blood transfusions. Transfusions are often a major part of therapy for these disorders, whether given occasionally during acute crises or as part of a regular treatment programme.
People with these diseases cannot be treated in the same way as for genetic haemochromatosis. Instead, they may need regular chelation therapy (the use of drugs which bind with metals in the body so that they can be excreted) and blood exchange rather than transfusions. You can discuss how to prevent iron overload in thalassemia and sickle cell disease with your haematologist.
Alcoholic liver disease can play a role in developing iron overload, as can hepatitis C and other liver problems. However, the degree of iron overload is mild.