title: Implementing a screening program for acromegaly in Latin America: necessity versus feasibility.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acromegaly is a rare disease with a large burden due its associated comorbidities and the life-long management required. Since the occurrence and severity of associated complications are related to length of exposure to the excess growth hormone seen in acromegaly, early diagnosis is imperative. The delay in diagnosis, however, can be long, and may be the result of a lack of disease awareness and screening programs. Since acromegaly is an uncommon disease, finding ways to increase recognition and diagnosis that would permit early detection in a logical and cost-effective manner could be a challenge.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective literature review for information relating to the screening and diagnosis of acromegaly using PubMed. The aim was to assess whether an acromegaly-screening program in Latin America (and elsewhere) would be both of use and be feasible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An earlier diagnosis allows earlier initiation of treatment, such as surgery and/or drugs, which leads to more successful disease management (biochemical control) and better outcomes. Since the delay in diagnosis can be long, we believe that clear opportunities exist for earlier (and increased) detection of acromegaly. This can be achieved by increasing disease awareness for earlier recognition of symptoms and by using targeted screening (rather than mass screening) programs.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Av. Cordoba 2351, 1120, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Danilowicz
authors.affiliation: Endocrine and Nuclear Medicine Unit, Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fainstein Day
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Av. Cordoba 2351, 1120, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Marcos P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Manavela
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital Central, Mendoza, Argentina.
authors.forename: Carlos Javier
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Sanatorio de la Mujer, Rosario, Argentina.
authors.forename: María Laura
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Deheza
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Private Community Hospital of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Isaac
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Av. Cordoba 2351, 1120, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Ariel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Juri
authors.affiliation: FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Debora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Av. Cordoba 2351, 1120, Buenos Aires, Argentina. bodomingo@intramed.net.ar.
authors.forename: Oscar D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Bruno
mesh_terms: D000172:Acromegaly / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Acromegaly diagnosis; Acromegaly screening program; Latin America