Genetic Screening for Iron Overload Now Possible

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CONTACT: Susan C. Anderson, 1-800-523-1546,. ext. 2653 or 1-215-351-2653, sanderson@mail.acponline.org

Genetic Screening for Iron Overload Is Now Possible

Annals Supplement Explores Pros and Cons of Screening for Hemochromatosis

Genetic Screening for Iron Overload Is Now Possible

Annals Supplement Explores Pros and Cons of Screening for Hemochromatosis

(PHILADELPHIA Dec. 1, 1998) A supplement in the December 1, 1998, issue of Annals of Internal Medicine explores screening for hereditary hemochromatosis or iron overload, including the impact of new genetic information on screening procedures. The supplement, "Iron Overload, Public Health, and Genetics," expands upon iron overload disease topics offered at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conference in March 1997. This conference was held in conjunction with the meeting, "Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Gene Discovery and Its Implications," cosponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute and CDC.

The Annals supplement includes papers on:

--diagnosis and management of the disease
--prevalence in the U.S.
--iron overload and mortality in the U.S.
--screening in the primary care setting
--evaluating the evidence for screening
--research priorities
--strategies to increase detection

The supplement is published by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM), an organization of more than 110,000 physicians trained in internal medicine.

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The full text of the supplement can be accessed on December 1, 1998, on the Internet at www.acponline.org/journals/annals. Sample copies are available to media by calling 215-351-2656.

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The full text of the supplement can be accessed on December 1, 1998, on the Internet at www.acponline.org/journals/annals. Sample copies are available to media by calling 215-351-2656.