"Targeting genetic screening for the condition to priority areas could help identify at-risk individuals earlier and avoid future health complications, experts say. Haemochromatosis symptoms can evolve over decades as high iron levels in the body cause damage to organs. Early diagnosis and treatment - such as regular blood donation to reduce iron levels - is key to prevent liver damage, liver cancer and arthritis."
"The most important risk factor is a genetic variant called C282Y. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh analysed genetic data from more than 400,000 individuals in the UK BioBank and Viking Genes studies to determine the prevalence of the C282Y variant across 29 regions of the British Isles and Ireland. People from the north west of Ireland, followed by those in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, have the highest risk of developing the condition, making them Celtic curse hotspots."
Genetic mapping of the C282Y variant across 29 British Isles regions shows marked regional differences in haemochromatosis risk. People in north‑west Ireland and the Outer Hebrides have the highest genetic risk. Prevalence estimates include one in 62 in the west, one in 73 in the south and one in 94 in eastern counties. High iron levels from haemochromatosis accumulate over decades and can cause liver damage, liver cancer and arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatments such as regular blood donation prevent long‑term organ damage. NHS England data show over 70,000 diagnosed cases with higher diagnosis rates among white Irish than white British patients.
Read at Irish Independent
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