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MELBOURNE, Apr 27, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Australian researchers said screening for haemochromatosis, a genetic disorder where iron builds up in the body, could help prevent organ damage and disease.
The disorder, which affects about one in 200 northern Europeans, causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. It can cause liver cirrhosis, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis and chronic fatigue if not treated.
A study of 11,800 individuals identified 47 who carried two copies of the genetic mutation and were likely to suffer iron-overload problems. An additional 1,338 individuals were found to have one copy of the mutation.
Of those who had the double mutation, 46 sought care under their insurance with no increase in rates. The researchers said possible insurance-rate increases can create anxiety when genetic testing is considered, so they negotiated in advance with the Australian insurance industry to ensure mutation carriers suffered no discrimination.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
