Date and Time
July 16, 2003
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Availability
Open to the public
No RSVP required

Speaker
Gillian D. Sanders - Assistant Professor at CHP/PCOR, Stanford University

Recent advances in genomics have identified mutations in cardiac sodium channels that predispose affected people to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Given the likely high costs of both genetic testing and subsequent treatment, and the uncertain effectiveness of these measures in preventing cardiac morbidity and mortality, the cost-effectiveness of using such genetic tests is unknown. This seminar will cover a Markov model Sanders developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of screening the general population for a SCD-related mutation and prophylactically implanting an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in those patients who tested positive. Although Sanders? work models a hypothetical genetic test, the model readily assesses the value of using a genetic test in a cohort of patients as such tests become available.