Cost-Effectiveness of Different Population Screening Strategies for Hereditary Haemochromatosis in Australia

Abstract

Introduction: Amongst populations of northern European ancestry, HFE-associated haemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder characterised by iron overload. In the absence of treatment, excess iron is stored in parenchymal tissues, causing morbidity and mortality. Population screening programmes may increase early diagnosis and reduce associated disease. No contemporary health economic evaluation has been published for Australia. The objective of this study was to identify cost-effective screening strategies for haemochromatosis in the Australian setting. Methods: A Markov model using probabilistic decision analysis was developed comparing four adult screening strategies: the status quo (ca..