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Researching the weekly update, NOPHG finds scientific literature that reports on discoveries of genetic variants, related disease outcomes, and the complex social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding genetic discoveries. A Public Health Perspective focuses on a single topic and provides you with information relevant to public health practice.
This week we are examining the public health aspects of Hereditary Hemochromatosis (April 2001)
"Early detection of iron overload disease represents a major chronic disease prevention opportunity. Detection and treatment (phlebotomy) of iron overload, early in the course of the illness, can substantially reduce the severity of symptoms, organ damage, and death from associated chronic diseases."
David Satcher, MD, PhD
Assistant Secretary for Health and U.S. Surgeon General
This Public Health Perspective: Hereditary Hemochromatosis was a collaborative effort by the CDC's National Office of Public Health Genomics and members of the Hemochromatosis team at the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Direct additional questions and inquires about hemochromatosis to Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity. |
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July 2002 Update |
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The Public Health Perspective (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
- Screening for Iron Overload due to Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Michele Reyes, PhD and Muin J. Khoury, MD, PhD.
"Because iron loading due to hereditary hemochromatosis is common and can be effectively treated with periodic phlebotomy, both the medical community and patient support groups have advocated population screening... However, at this time, CDC does not recommend universal screening for hereditary hemochromatosis because of many unresolved issues."
Excerpts from "Genetics and Public Health The Future is Now"
(12 minutes)
Excerpts from a one hour webcast, May 4th, 2000, University of North Carolina/CDC Public Health Grand Rounds, featuring a case study in hemochromatosis including an interview with a HH patient, his wife and physician as well as a discussion of HH and public health from a panel experts (in order of appearance) including:
- Hugh H. Tilson, MD, DrPH , Clinical Professor, Epidemiology and Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hil
- William L. Roper, MD, MPH , Dean, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Wylie Burke, MD, PhD , Chair, Department of Medical History and Ethics, University of Washington, Seattle
- Vincent J. Felliti, MD, FACP , Dept. of Preventive Medicine, So. California Permanente Medical Group
- Muin J. Khoury, MD, PhD , Director, National Office of Public Health Genomics
The entire one hour webcast can be seen on the UNC website Genetics and Public Health: The Future is Now
Realplayer is required to view either video. Download Here
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Facts About Hemochromatosis (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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Publications (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
- Penetrance of HFE-related hemochromatosis in perspective.
Bassett, M.L., et al
Hepatology, 2002 Aug;36(2):500-503
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Study Measures Frequency of Blood-Disorder Defect
(no
longer available)
(May 2) Reuters Health reports from CDC, "Gene analysis of a national population sample confirms previous estimates of the frequency of the gene defects linked to hereditary hemochromatosis, a common disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron."
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CDC Hereditary Hemochromatosis Activities |
Hemochromatosis : A Pamphlet for Patients |
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Slide (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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Hemochromatosis Groups and Organizations (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
These links are provided only as a resource for our readers. This listing does not necessarily represent the opinions of CDC or constitute an endorsement by CDC.
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Provides link to non-governmental sites and does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
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