THE TREATMENT OF HEMOCHROMATOSIS BY MASSIVE VENESECTION

Abstract

Of 15 patients with hemochromatosis, including 6 personal and 9 collected cases, 12 showed satisfactory responses to prolonged repeated bleedings. They exhibited remarkable ability to regenerate hemoglobin, mobilizing the tremendous load of excessive stored iron in doing so, and showed both subjective and objective improvement. One patient was unable to tolerate the procedure because of the development of ascites and edema, but so far no other untoward effects have been noted.