Hereditary hemochromatosis: should clinicians screen for this common disease?
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a serious condition of abnormal iron metabolism that is often missed until complications involving multiple organ systems occurs. It is an autosomal recessive condition primarily affecting Caucasians of Western European origin. This article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition. Questions related to population screening are examined and recommendations made for a cost-effective screening program.
Russell
L C
LC
University of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, USA. Russe002@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics; D018962:Phlebotomy