Screening for hepatic iron overload.

The definition of hepatic iron overload is reviewed as well as historical, pathophysiological, genetic, clinical, and diagnostic data on hemochromatosis. The other causes of iron overload and false overload are recapitulated in table form. The benefits provided by hemochromatosis screening are explained and the methods are described. Target populations are the general population of adults, subjects with abnormal biochemical tests (transferrin saturation and serum ferritin), and high-risk groups (insulin-dependent diabetics, family members of hemochromatosis patients): in the last case, genetic testing is particularly useful.