A decision analysis model for diagnostic strategies using DNA testing for hereditary haemochromatosis in at risk populations.

BACKGROUND

New techniques for diagnosing hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC) have become available alongside traditional tests such as liver biopsy and serum iron studies.

AIM

To evaluate DNA tests in people suspected of having haemochromatosis at clinical presentation compared to liver biopsy, and in family members of those diagnosed with haemochromatosis compared to phenotypic iron studies in UK.

METHODS

Decision analytic models were constructed to compare the costs and consequences of the diagnostic strategies for a hypothetical cohort of people with suspected haemochromatosis. For each strategy, the number of cases of haemochromatosis identified and treated and the resources used were estimated.

RESULTS

For diagnostic strategies in people suspected clinically of having haemochromatosis, the DNA strategy is cost saving compared to liver biopsy (cost saved per case detected, 123 pounds) and continues to be so across all ranges of parameters. For family testing, the DNA strategy is cost saving for the offspring of the proband but not for siblings. If the DNA test cost were to reduce by 40% to 60 pounds or, if in the phenotypic model, those with initially normal iron indices were retested twice instead of once, the DNA strategy would be the cheaper one.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic strategies involving DNA testing are likely to be cost saving in clinical cases with iron overload and in the offspring of index cases. This study supports the UK guideline recommendations for the use of DNA testing in UK.