AbstractPDF
Abstract
Background: family screening has been suggested as a sophisticated model for the early detection of <i>HFE</i>-related hereditary haemochromatosis (HH). However, until now, controlled studies on the morbidity and mortality in families with HH are lacking.
Methods: data on iron parameters, morbidity and mortality were collected from 224 dutch C282Y-homozygous probands with clinically overt HH and 735 of their first-degree family members, all participating in the HEmochromatosis fAmily study (HEfAs). These data were compared with results obtained from an age- and gender-matched normal population. HEfAs and controls filled in similar questionnaires on demographics, lifestyle factors, health, morbidity and mortality.
Results: A significantly higher proportion of the HEfAs first-degree family members reported to be diagnosed with haemochromatosis-related diseases: 45.7 <i>vs</i> 19.4% of the matched normal population (McNemar p<0.001). Mortality among siblings, children and parents in the HEfAs population was similar to that in the relatives of the matched controls.
Conclusion: in this study we show that morbidity among first-degree family members of C282Y-homozygous probands previously diagnosed with clinically proven HH is higher than that in an age- and gender-matched normal population. further studies are needed to definitely connect these increased morbidity figures to increased prevalence of the C282Y mutated HFE-gene and elevated serum iron indices.
