Posted on

Hemochromatosis and Polycythemia Vera

Is it possible that some people diagnosed with hemochromatosis might actually be suffering from a rarer blood disease? Hemochromatosis can look like polycythemia vera.

 

Robert Gadinski, Ashland, a Schuylkill County hydrogeologist and former employee of the state Department of Environmental Protection, said the issue needs to be studied, especially in looking for the prevalence of a JAK2 genetic mutation found in those with polycythemia vera. Do hemochromatosis sufferers really have polycythemia vera,” asked Gadinski. “Should the JAK2 testing be extended to people diagnosed with hemochromatosis? There are similarities in the symptoms and in the illness itself.”