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Blood disorder known as the 'Celtic Mutation' is on the rise

A blood disorder that affects people of Celtic ancestry is becoming more prevalent in Ireland. It...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.33 5 Jun 2014


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Blood disorder known as the &a...

Blood disorder known as the 'Celtic Mutation' is on the rise

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.33 5 Jun 2014


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A blood disorder that affects people of Celtic ancestry is becoming more prevalent in Ireland. It is thought as many as 22,000 people here suffer from Haemochromatosis, which is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from its diet and this iron is stored in the body.

This excessive iron leads to impaired function of organs and eventually to disease and organ failure. It is estimated that 1-in-83 Irish people are predisposed to iron overload.

It can be diagnosed through a simple blood test and the disorder is treatable.

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Today is an awareness day for the blood disorder - known as the Celtic Mutation - and information stands will be present at shopping centres across the country.

Dr. William Murphy is medical and scientific director of the IBTS.

"Since last August we have started inviting anyone with haemochromatosis to new free treatment clinics in Dublin and Cork" he said.

"Anyone can use this service once they have a prescription from their own doctor or clinic. If they want to donate their blood for transfusion to others, and if they are eligible to be blood donors, then we will use their blood for transfusion to patients".

"Several hundred people with haemochromatosis have used this service since it started in Dublin and in Cork. Most, but not all, have been able to go on to be blood donors" he added.

Conor Kenny is a business consultant who has been diagnosed with the condition and says a lot of Irish people do not know they have the disorder.

He says a screening programme is essential.


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