[Should we screen for hemochromatosis? Critical analysis of the literature].
This paper focus on the main issues to evaluate before planning public health interventions which may optimise the prevention of hemochromatosis. The main indicators are considered: prevalence, morbidity and mortality of the disease, efficacy of the available treatment, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the screening tests; potential benefit of a national screening program in a public health perspective. These are evaluated through a critical appraisal of the clinical, epidemiologic and economic literature on hemochromatosis. The paper emphasizes how individual behavior and preferences become crucial to take into account when well-being subjects will face a population-based screening program. We conclude that further arguments are required before the implementation of a national screening program for hemochromatosis.
Charvet-Protat
S
S
ANDEM-159, Paris.
Yaouanq
J
J
Fleurette
F
F
D018672:Community Health Planning; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011634:Public Health; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity