Metabolic Liver Diseases
Metabolic Liver Disorders are genetic disorders that alter the metabolism of your liver. The three most common metabolic liver disorders are Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Hereditary hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
When your liver doesn’t produce enough of a protein called Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), it leads to Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency which can cause lung or liver disease.
Symptoms
- Yellowish skin or eyes
- Swollen belly or legs
- Coughing up blood
Treatment
The main treatment for this disease is augmentation therapy or replacement therapy. AAT proteins from the blood of a healthy human donor are delivered to your body through IV.
Hereditary hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a rare condition that makes your body retain high levels of iron. The excess iron absorbed from your diet is stored in various parts of your body including your liver. Excessive iron in your liver leads to liver damage
Symptoms
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Diabetes
- Loss of sex drive
- Impotence
- Heart failure
- Liver failure
- Bronze or gray skin coloration
- Memory fog
Treatment
Phlebotomy is often a prescribed treatment for this disease. It involves drawing blood from your vein using a needle. When done on a regular basis, it can lower the amount of iron in your body.
