[Should we screen for hemochromatosis? Critical analysis of the literature]

This paper focus on the main issues to evaluate before planning public health interventions which may optimise the prevention of hemochromatosis. The main indicators are considered: prevalence, morbidity and mortality of the disease, efficacy of the available treatment, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the screening tests; potential benefit of a national screening program in a public health perspective. These are evaluated through a critical appraisal of the clinical, epidemiologic and economic literature on hemochromatosis. The paper emphasizes how individual behavior and preferences become crucial to take into account when well-being subjects will face a population-based screening program. We conclude that further arguments are required before the implementation of a national screening program for hemochromatosis.