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Iron overload disorders among Hispanics--San Diego, California, 1995
Insights
Hereditary hemochromatosis, a common genetic disorder causing iron overload, affects diverse populations. Preliminary findings suggest similar iron overload prevalence in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Public Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the U.S., causing iron overload due to increased gastrointestinal iron absorption.
- This condition can lead to severe health issues like arthritis, cirrhosis, diabetes, heart failure, and death.
- Previously thought to affect primarily white males of Northern European descent, it is now recognized in other racial groups, including Black and Hispanic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of iron overload diseases, particularly hereditary hemochromatosis, among Hispanic populations.
- To compare the prevalence of iron overload in Hispanics with non-Hispanic whites using data from a San Diego health maintenance organization (HMO) and national surveys.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from a joint demonstration project including a San Diego HMO during August-October 1995.
- Comparison of preliminary findings with nationally representative data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
Main Results:
- Preliminary screening indicated a prevalence of possible iron overload among Hispanic HMO clients similar to that of non-Hispanic whites.
- The prevalence of possible iron overload in Hispanic individuals of Mexican descent aligns with nationwide data from NHANES III.
Conclusions:
- Iron overload diseases, including hereditary hemochromatosis, may be underdiagnosed in Hispanic populations.
- Findings suggest that iron overload prevalence is comparable between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations, challenging previous assumptions about the disease's demographics.
Abstract:
Approximately 1.5 million persons in the United States are affected by iron overload diseases, which are primarily caused by hereditary hemochromatosis--the most common genetic disorder in the United States. Hereditary hemochromatosis is characterized by increased iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, which may cause lifelong excessive iron absorption and accumulation and serious health effects, including arthritis, cirrhosis, diabetes, impotence, heart failure, and death. Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disease; the estimated prevalence of the homozygous genotype is 1:200 - 1:250 persons, and 10% of persons are carriers. Although the disease was previously believed to affect primarily white males of northern European descent, recent data indicate hereditary hemochromatosis also occurs among blacks. Moreover, iron overload diseases are underdiagnosed among whites and may not be considered in other racial/ethnic groups (e.g., Hispanics) even when compatible symptoms and clinical findings are present. As part of a joint demonstration project during August-October 1995 to determine the overall prevalence of iron overload, CDC reviewed data from a health-maintenance organization (HMO) in San Diego, California; the prevalence among Hispanics appeared similar to that for non-Hispanic whites. This report presents the preliminary findings of an analysis of the prevalence of iron overload among Hispanics and compares these findings with nationally representative data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). These findings indicate that the prevalence of possible iron overload among Hispanic clients of the HMO based on initial screening was consistent with the nationwide prevalence of possible iron overload based on a single screening test for Hispanics of Mexican descent and non-Hispanic whites.