McDonnell SM, Grindon AJ, Preston BL, Barton JC, Edwards CQ, Adams PC. A survey of phlebotomy among persons with hemochromatosis.
Transfusion 1999;
39:651-6. [PMID:
10378847 DOI:
10.1046/j.1537-2995.1999.39060651.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
One in 10 whites in the United States is a carrier for hemochromatosis and an estimated 1 in 200 is clinically affected. Early treatment with therapeutic phlebotomy to remove excess iron can prevent associated chronic diseases. However, little information is available on the amount of blood withdrawn or the rates of withdrawal from hemochromatosis patients. The patterns of therapeutic phlebotomy and the magnitude of charges in persons with hemochromatosis were surveyed.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
Surveys were mailed to persons with hemochromatosis identified by health care providers, blood centers, patient advocacy groups, and the Internet. There were 2362 respondents to the survey from the United States.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported being voluntary blood donors prior to diagnosis. The mean rate of therapeutic phlebotomy for iron depletion was 2.6 units per month (mean duration, 13 months). The mean rate of maintenance phlebotomy was 0.5 units per month. Therapeutic phlebotomy rates varied by sex, age, reason for diagnosis, and severity of symptoms. Seventy-six percent of respondents reported full or partial insurance coverage of therapeutic phlebotomy charges. Seventy-six percent received therapeutic phlebotomy services in a hospital or physician's office and 30 percent in a blood center. Charges for therapeutic phlebotomy varied by site, with a mean cost of $90 in hospitals and $52 in blood centers. Fifty-four percent of respondents attempted to donate blood after their diagnosis but were excluded.
CONCLUSION
The amount of blood withdrawn from persons with hemochromatosis is substantial. The location where patients received phlebotomy services appears to be influenced by charges and time since diagnosis.
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