Comparison of Inline R2* MRI versus FerriScan for liver iron quantification in patients on chelation therapy for iron overload: preliminary results

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard M. Healy ◽  
Stephan A. R. Kannengiesser ◽  
Osvaldo Espin-Garcia ◽  
Richard Ward ◽  
Kevin H. M. Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Iron Quantification

Magnetic Ressonance Imaging (MRI) in the Evaluation of Iron Overload in Patients with Beta Thalassaemia. The Brazilian National Program Preliminary Results.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3825-3825
Author(s):  
Nelson Hamerschlak ◽  
Laercio Rosemberg ◽  
Alexandre Parma ◽  
Fernanda F. Assir ◽  
Frederico R. Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Ventricular Function ◽  
Iron Content ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Liver Iron Content ◽  
Cooperative Program

Abstract Magnetic Ressonance Imaging (MRI) using T2 star (T2*) tecnique appears to be a very useful method for monitoring iron overload and iron chelation therapy in thalassaemia. In Brazil, we have around 400 thalassaemic major patients all over the country. They were treated with hipertransfusion protocols and desferroxamine and/or deferiprone chelation. We developed a cooperative program with the Brazilian Thalassaemic Patients Association (ABRASTA) in order to developT2* tecnique in Brazil to submit brazilian patients to an annual iron overload monitoring process with MRI.. We performed the magnetic ressonance T2* using GE equipment (GE, Milwaukee USA), with validation to chemical estimation of iron in patients undergoing liver biopsy. Until now, 60 patients were scanned, median age=23,2 (12–54); gender: 18 male (30%) and 42 female (70%). The median ferritin levels were 2030 ng/ml (Q1=1466; Q3=3296). As other authors described before, there was a curvilinear inverse correlation between iron concentration by biopsy, liver T2*(r=0,92) and also there were a correlation with ferritin levels. We also correlated myocardial iron measured by T2* with ventricular function.. As miocardial iron increased, there was a progressive decline in ejection fraction and no significant correlation was found between miocardial T2* and the ferritin levels. Liver iron content can be predicted by ferritin levels. On the other hand, cardiac disfunction is the most important cause of mortality among thalassaemic patients. Since Miocardio iron content cannot be predicted from serum ferritin or liver iron, and ventricular function can only detect those with advance disease, intensification and combination of chelation therapy, guided by T2* MRI tecnique should reduce mortality from the reversible cardiomyopathy among thalassaemic patients.

Non Invasive Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis by Measurement of Liver Stiffness in Post Transfusional Iron Overload: Preliminary Results in 15 Patients.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3740-3740
Author(s):  
T. Mirault ◽  
D. Lucidarme ◽  
B. Turlin ◽  
Y. Deugnier ◽  
P. Brissot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Liver Stiffness ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Severe Fibrosis

Abstract Background: The prognosis of liver iron overload is highly dependent on liver iron content (LIC) and the extent of liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is the invasive reference method for fibrosis evaluation but with several limitations. Non-invasive biological methods (FibroTest, APRI) are not applicable in blood diseases. Transient elastography (TE) is a new non-invasive and rapid bedside method used to measure liver stiffness.This technique has been extensively studied with success in evaluation of liver fibrosis in HCV infection (Ziol, Hepatology 2005; Castera, Gastroenterology 2005). Until now, no data are available on evaluation of liver fibrosis by TE in highly transfused patients with iron overload. Methods: We assessed liver stiffness (kPa) by elastography measurement (Fibroscan; Echosens, Paris, France). Ishak’s and Metavir’s scales were used to stage fibrosis and hepatitis activity; LIC was measured by atomic absorption spectometry in a central laboratory (Rennes, France) and by MRI procedure according to Gandon (Lancet 2004). Cardiac MRI T2* (indirect estimation of iron heart content) was also measured by MRI according to Anderson (Eur Heart J 2001). Serum ferritin level and HCV serology were assayed in all cases. Correlation statistical analysis used Spearman’s Rho and Pearson tests and mean comparisons were done by a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: 15 liver samples (weight >1mg except 1) from monthly transfused patients (13 major beta Thalassemia, 1 sickle cell disease, 1 myelodysplastic syndrome) were analyzed. Median age was 37 years (7–75). Histological results were: 3 cirrhosis (METAVIR F=4 (F4), or Ishak’s Staging =6 (IS6)) among 5 patients with severe fibrosis (F3,F4) or (IS4-6) and 10 patients with no or mild fibrosis (F0-2) or (IS0-3). Mean ferritin was 2579 ng/ml CI 95% [1372–3786]. 2 patients were HCV positive. Correlation between LIC and ferritin was 0.82 (p<0,05); between LIC and MRI LIC: 0.88 (p<0,05); LIC and MRI Heart T2*: 0.72(p<0,05); METAVIR F score and Ishak’s grading score: 0.86 (p<0,05). A correlation was also observed between METAVIR F and elastography: 0.60(p<0,05); and mean values of elastography were significally different in patients with severe fibrosis: 9.1kPa CI95% [4.5–13.7] vs 5.9kPa CI95% [4.6–7.2] in those without sever fibrosis (p<0,05) (fig). A value of elastography above 6.25kPa (Se=80%; Sp=70%; AUROC=0.820) identified patients at risk for severe fibrosis (F3,F4 or IS 4–6) (Negative Predictive Value = 88%; Positive Predictive Value = 57%). Conclusion: A significant correlation between Metavir Fibrosis scale and elastography values was found. This new non-invasive method would be helpful to evaluate liver fibrosis and to determine patients who could avoid invasive procedures in particular in regularly transfused low risk myelodysplastic patients at risk of bleeding due to abnormal platelet function. These preliminary results will have to be confirmed in a larger population. Figure Figure

Iron Chelation Therapy in Transfusion Dependent Patients with Thalassemia and Minimal Liver Iron Load

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4270-4270
Author(s):  
Antonios Kattamis ◽  
Konstantinos Stokidis ◽  
Theoni Petropoulou ◽  
Dimitra Kyriacopoulou ◽  
Polyxeni Delaporta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Iron Load ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract Abstract 4270 Background: Recent advances in the treatment of iron overload in patients with transfusion- dependent thalassemia have dramatically changed iron related morbidity and mortality. Intensive chelation therapy by using combination therapy or monotherapy at high doses had led to total clearing of the iron in many patients. The best approach for chelation treatment in patients with low levels of iron overload is debatable. Patients and Methods This study included all the patients with thalassemia major with minimal liver iron overload, followed in our unit. More precisely, to be eligible for this observational study, the patients needed to have liver iron concentration (LIC) <1.5 mg Fe/gram dry weight tissue, defined by MRI, and to have at least a subsequent MRI evaluation after this time. The mean observation time, which was the time between the two MRIs, was 16.9±5.2 months. Results Fourty five patients (22 females, 30 non-splemectomized, 21 HCV seropositive, mean age: 31±5.6 years) have reached minimal levels of iron overload in any time point after 2004. Thirty one of them have been treated with combined therapy of desferrioxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (DFP) and 5, 6 and 3 with monotherapy of deferasirox (DFX), DFP and DFO, respectively. After reaching these levels, 42% of the patients changed therapy, with the most frequent change being from combined therapy to monotherapy (15 patients). Baseline ferritin levels at the time of the first MRI range from 43 to 4336 ng/ml (median 230 ng/ml) and they were not affected by spleen, gender or HCV status. Baseline LIC (mean 1.2 ± 1.7 mgFe/g.d.w.) correlated well with ferritin levels (Spearman's rho = 0.47, p<0.005), as did ferritin changes to LIC changes (Spearman's rho = 0.67, p<0.005). The results on the follow up evaluation, stratified according to the actual treatment, are shown in the table Deferiprone was less efficacious in controlling both LIC and ferritin levels compared to combination therapy (p=0.016 and 0.031, respectively). Fifteen out of 17 patients treated with DFP showed an increase in LIC, despite using the recommended dose. Six out of 9 patients treated with DFX, most at a low dose, showed an increase in LIC. There were no differences in changes in the cardiac parameters (LVEF, cardiac T2*) in between treatment groups. The efficiency of DFP and DFX, which represents the ratio of iron excreted to the theoretical maximum of iron that could be bound by the chelators, was calculated at 1.8±0.9 % and 15.2 ± 3.6 %, respectively. Conclusions Current iron chelation therapy regimens are able to render iron load-free many patients with thalassemia major. As iron accumulation from transfusions continues, a fine balance needs to be found in which neither worsening of iron overload nor toxicity from excessive dose of iron chelators will occur. This study showed that at low levels of iron overload both combination therapy and DFX can control iron accumulation, whether monotherapy with DFP may be insufficient to achieve iron balance in many patients. The dose of the chelators needs to be adjusted according to the needs and the clinical course of the patients, which can be predicted by the trend of the ferritin levels. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that at low levels of iron overload, the iron chelators' efficiency may be lower than previously described. Disclosures: Kattamis: NOVARTIS ONCOLOGY: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; APOPHARMA: Honoraria. Ladis:NOVARTIS ONCOLOGY: Honoraria, Research Funding; APOPHARMA: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Deferasirox (Exjade®, ICL670) Treatment of Inadequately Chelated β-Thalassemia Patients from the Middle East: The ESCALATOR Trial.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3840-3840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Taher ◽  
Amal El-Beshlawy ◽  
Abdullah Al Jefri ◽  
Mohsen El Alfy ◽  
Kusai Al Zir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Iron Chelator ◽  
Oral Iron ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Transfusion Therapy ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Oral Iron Chelator

Abstract Iron overload is a potentially life-threatening consequence of multiple blood transfusions. Effective iron chelation therapy reduces morbidity and saves lives. Many patients are unable to comply with current treatments, deferoxamine (DFO) or deferiprone (L1), because they cannot tolerate the parenteral infusion regimen required for DFO, because of adverse events (AEs), or because they do not respond to treatment. The objective of the ESCALATOR trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of deferasirox, an investigational once-daily oral iron chelator in advanced clinical development, in reducing liver iron concentration (LIC) in patients with β-thalassemia unable to be properly treated with DFO and/or L1. During a 1-year treatment period, patients will receive deferasirox at a daily dose of 20 mg/kg. Reduction of LIC is the primary endpoint, as assessed by biopsy at baseline and study end. Secondary efficacy variables include serum ferritin (SF) and other potential surrogate markers of iron overload such as concentration of labile plasma iron (LPI) in a subgroup of patients. Safety assessments include AEs and comprehensive laboratory evaluations. To date, 232 patients have initiated treatment at seven centers in five countries (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Syria). Demographics, relevant medical history and baseline iron burden parameters are described in the table. Importantly, baseline SF values were significantly correlated with LIC (R=0.63; P&lt;0.0001). The last patient’s last visit will be in June 2006. Age 2 to &lt;16 years (n=159) Age ≥16 years (n=73) All patients (n=232) Mean ± SD; †n=14 Female:male, n 79:80 35:38 114:118 Race (caucasian:oriental:other), n 59:81:19 11:41:21 70:122:40 BMI*, kg/m2 17.4 ± 2.6 21.6 ± 3.2 18.7 ± 3.4 Weight*, kg 29.4 ± 9.9 54.7 ± 9.7 37.3 ± 15.3 Hepatitis B or C, n 43 29 72 Splenectomy, n 46 53 99 Transfusions in previous year*, n 15.5 ± 4.5 14.3 ± 3.7 15.1 ± 4.3 Total volume transfused in previous year*, mL 5265 ± 2469 7446 ± 2953 5873 ± 2784 Years on chelation therapy*, n 6.2 ± 3.5 12.7 ± 4.8 8.2 ± 4.9 Proportion of life on transfusion therapy*, % 89.3 ± 13.9 89.0 ± 14.1 89.2 ± 14.0 Liver pathology grading (modified HAI scale)     Grade 0–6 143 64 207     Grade 7–12 4 0 4     Grade 13–18 0 0 0 LIC, mg Fe/g dw     Mean ± SD 17.1 ± 8.5 20.0 ± 10.0 18.0 ± 9.1     Median (min, max) 16.6 (2.9, 38.2) 19.0 (2.9, 48.9) 17.5 (2.9, 48.9) SF, ng/mL     Mean ± SD 3957 ± 2342 4564 ± 4117 4148 ± 3019     Median (min, max) 3356 (914, 13539) 3335 (956, 23017) 3346 (914, 23017) LPI†,μmol/L     Mean ± SD - - 1.03 ± 0.80     Median (min, max) - - 0.82 (0, 2.65) The ESCALATOR study cohort is a highly challenging population with varied chelation response and transfusion history. The magnitude of LIC and SF, which were well correlated, reflects the severity of iron overload in patients unable to maintain adequate chelation using DFO or L1. This study will provide important insights into the clinical management of iron overload with the well tolerated, once-daily oral iron chelator deferasirox in this difficult-to-treat population.

Treatment with Deferasirox Effectively Decreases Iron Burden in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia Intermedia.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1517-1517
Author(s):  
Ersi Voskaridou ◽  
Eleni Plata ◽  
Panagiota Stefanitsi ◽  
Marousa Douskou ◽  
Dimitrios Christoulas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Renal Impairment ◽  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Thalassemia Intermedia ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Liver Iron

Abstract Abstract 1517 Poster Board I-540 Iron overload was not thought to be an important issue in sickle cell disease (SCD) in the past because of the short life-span of SCD patients. However, the increase in longevity during the recent years has been associated with clinical evidence of iron overload in some SCD patients due to accumulation of transfusional iron, increased absorption associated with intensive erythropoiesis and iron deposition as a result of continuous hemolysis. Therefore, iron overload may play an important role in the severity of SCD and iron chelation has a definite indication in several SCD cases. Thalassemia intermedia (TI) encompasses a wide clinical spectrum of beta-thalassemia phenotypes. Iron overload is alsofrequently present in TI patients as a result of increased intestinal iron absorption secondary to chronic anemia and to sporadic blood transfusion therapy, which may be administered intermittently when hemoglobin (Hb) levels fall <7 g/dL. Thus, a variable rate of iron loading, reaching toxic levels in some patients, was seen in a series of intermittently transfused TI patients who need adequate chelation therapy. Deferasirox (Exjade®) is a once-daily orally administered iron chelator approved for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with transfusion-dependent anemia. Here, we report on the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in iron-overloaded patients with SCD and TI. We evaluated 18 adult patients with SCD (8M/10F; mean age 41.3 ± 8.5 years) and 11 with TI (5M/6F; mean age 41.2 ± 6.5 years) who had serum ferritin levels >1000 ng/mL and who were sporadically transfused with <20 units of red blood cells before starting deferasirox treatment for up to 12 months. Twenty-four patients (15 with SCD and 9 with TI) and 5 (3 with SCD and 2 with TI) patients were initially treated with deferasirox at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day, respectively, based on the number of blood transfusions received before the initiation of treatment. After 3 months, dose adjustments (increases) were allowed in increments of 5 mg/kg/day every 3 months as required to reduce markers of iron overload. Total iron burden was monitored by measuring serum ferritin levels before and monthly after starting deferasirox, while liver iron concentration and cardiac iron burden were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 and T2* parameters at baseline and 12 months after deferasirox treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by MRI, and 24-hour proteinurea (Prot 24h) before and after treatment, were also measured. Hb levels, serum creatinine, cystatin-C (a sensitive marker of renal impairment), alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured before and every month during deferasirox treatment. Serum ferritin level was significantly reduced after 12 months of deferasirox treatment in both SCD (mean±SD: from 1993±997 ng/ml to 1106±1016 ng/ml, p<0.001) and TI patients (from 2030±1040 ng/ml to 1165±684 ng/ml, p=0.02). Similarly baseline liver T2 and T2* significantly increased following 12 months of therapy in SCD (from 21.1±5.7 ms to 27.4±8.0 ms, p=0.001 and from 4.1±3.8 ms to 6.0±3.4 ms, p=0.013, for T2 and T2* respectively) and TI patients (from 20.1±4.1 ms to 23.7±6.2 ms, p=0.01 and from 3.4±3.0 ms to 4.4±3.0 ms, p=0.02, for T2 and T2* respectively). Mean cardiac T2* and LVEF were normal at baseline and did not significantly change after 12 months of treatment in SCD and TI patients. There were also no significant changes in mean serum creatinine, Hb or Prot 24h levels after 12 months of deferasirox treatment, while mean ALT and AST levels significantly decreased over 12 months in both groups of patients (p<0.02 and p<0.04 for SCD and TI, respectively). In terms of cystatin-C, there was a significant increase after 12 months of treatment in SCD patients (from 0.97±0.32 mg/l to 1.12±0.4 mg/l, p<0.001) but not in TI patients, in whom the increase was of borderline significance (from 0.98±0.23 mg/l to 1.13±0.27 mg/l, p=0.094). These data indicate that, over 12 months, deferasirox significantly reduced liver iron burden and serum ferritin levels in these iron-overloaded patients with SCD and TI. The decreases in ALT and AST are suggestive of an improvement in liver function, while there must be some caution for renal impairment, mainly in SCD. This study indicates that deferasirox provides effective iron chelation therapy in these patients without any significant adverse effects. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Update in Combined Chelation Therapy with Deferoxamine and Deferiprone in Brazilian Patients with Thalassemia Major: Assessment of Three Years

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 5415-5415
Author(s):  
Sandra Regina Loggetto ◽  
Mônica Veríssimo ◽  
Antônio Fabron Júnior ◽  
Giorgio Roberto Baldanzi ◽  
Nelson Hamerschlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Cardiac Iron ◽  
Cardiac Iron Overload

Abstract Introduction: Cardiac failure is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with thalassemia major (TM) who are receiving regular blood transfusion due to iron overload. So, effective and adequate iron chelation is extremely important. Deferoxamine (DFO), the most widely used iron chelator, has poor compliance. Combined therapy with Deferiprone (DFP) increases chelation efficacy, decreases iron-induced complications, improves compliance increasing survival in thalassemia. Objectives: Assessment of efficacy and safety in combined chelation with DFP and DFO in thalassemic patients with iron overload. Methods and results: We have 50 thalassemia major patients in 4 Brazilian Centers (Boldrini Hospital, Sao Paulo Hematology Center, HEMEPAR and FAMEMA) receiving combined chelation therapy with follow up to three years. DFP (75–100 mg/kg/daily) and DFO (30–60 mg/kg, 4–7 days/week) are being administered during one to three years. Median age of this group is 21,5 y/o (range 8–35), with 48% female. Median age to start regular transfusions was 12 months (range 2–140) and to begin chelation therapy was 57 months (range 17–216). All patients were screened for Hepatitis C and 26% had positive sorology and/or PCR. Statistical analysis were made with Spearman test and Fisher test. All patients, except two, did cardiac and liver MRI in the initial phase of the study, resulting in 60,5% with cardiac iron overload (T2*&lt;20ms), being severe in 31,2%. Assessment of liver iron concentration (LIC) showed 95,7% with liver iron overload (&gt;3ug/g dry weight), being severe in 17,4%. During follow up, only 43 patients (86%) was screened with MRI. From these, 67,4% had cardiac iron overload (severe in 32,5%) and 78,6% had liver iron overload (severe in 11,9%). Mean serum ferritin before and after three years were 3095,7 ±1934,5 ng/ml and 2373,9±1987,6 ng/ml, respectively. Our data showed positive correlation between serum ferritin, LIC and ALT, even in initial data and after combined chelation therapy (p&lt;0,001), but there is no correlation between cardiac T2* and LIC and between cardiac T2* and ferritin. DFP adverse events included 8% agranulocytosis, 22% neutropenia, 20% arthralgia and 38% gastric intolerance. DFO adverse events were 2,6% deafness, 2,0% cataract and 12% growth deficit. Hepatic toxicity was found in 6%, but without necessity to stop treatment. Compliance in this group was excellent in 48%, good in 22% and poor in 30%. Conclusions: This is the first multicenter study to evaluate combined chelation therapy in Brazil based on cardiac MRI and LIC. Most patients had cardiac and hepatic iron overload probably because they began iron chelation lately, due to difficult access to iron chelators in the past. Cardiac iron overload didn’t have correlation with ferritin and LIC and these data need more understanding. Age of initial regular blood transfusion, increased transfusional requirement, inadequate chelation or delayed chelation may play a role in this question. Combined therapy with DFO and DFP is effective to decrease serum ferritin and LIC. Follow up and improving compliance may decrease cardiac iron overload. Adverse events are similar to literature. Combined therapy is safety in TM patients with transfusional iron overload.

Deferasirox Safety Profile in Patients with Transfusion-Dependent Anaemias:Results From the Interim Analysis of a Hellenic Study,

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3183-3183
Author(s):  
Vassilis Ladis ◽  
Marouso Drossou ◽  
Dimitria Vini ◽  
Ersi Voskaridou ◽  
Miranda Athanasiou-Metaxa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Safety Profile ◽  
Interim Analysis ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Liver Iron Overload

Abstract Abstract 3183 Background: The introduction of iron chelation treatment has led to a significant improvement in morbidity and overall survival in patients with transfusion-dependent anemias. Deferasirox is a once-daily, oral iron chelator approved for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in both adult and pediatric patients. The efficacy and safety of deferasirox in a variety of transfusion-dependent anemias has been established in numerous Phase II/III clinical trials. Since most patients with transfusion-dependent anemias require lifelong iron chelation therapy, there is a need to assess the long-term safety of deferasirox in both adult and pediatric patients. Aim: To assess the safety profile of deferasirox in patients with transfusional iron overload in a real-world clinical setting. To further investigate the safety profile of deferasirox in patients with congenital erythrocyte disorders and transfusional iron overload, with ferritin levels <4000 ng/ml and without severe cardiac siderosis. Methods: Between July 2009 and September 2010, 85 patients with transfusion-induced iron overload treated with deferasirox as per the approved product labeling were enrolled in the study. These data represent the 24-week planned interim analysis of a 12-month observational study on deferasirox safety profile in the treatment of pediatric and adult patients with transfusion-dependent anemias who were newly-treated with deferasirox. Safety was evaluated through the monitoring and recording of all adverse events and serious adverse events, as well as routine laboratory testing, including hematology, blood chemistry and hepatic function assessments. Results: The population had a median age of 37.6 years (range: 5.3–61.4) and a female to male ratio of 1.3. Beta-thalassemia (67.1%) was the most common transfusion-dependent anemia, followed by thalassemia intermedia requiring periodic transfusions (20.0%) and sickle cell anemia (12.9%). Mean baseline ferritin levels were 1502.1±870.5 (pediatric group: 1480.2±522.8 and adult group: 1503.6±891.4), while 53 out of the 85 patients (62.4%) had serum ferritin level above 1000 ng/ml. Mean baseline liver T2* value was 10.4±9.7 ms; 44.4% of patients demonstrated minimal liver iron deposition (MRI T2* > 6.3 ms), 51.4% had mild to moderate liver iron overload (T2* ≤ 6.3 ms), and 4.2% had severe liver iron overload (T2*<1.4 ms). 54 (63.5%) of patients analysed had been pre-treated with iron chelators and 31 (36.5%) were chelation-naïve. The initial average daily dose of deferasirox was 25.9±4.8 mg/kg, and 70.6% of patients had no dose modification during the 24-week follow-up period. A statistical significant decrease in median serum ferritin levels was observed by Week 24 (mean absolute change from baseline:-214.5 ng/mL; p=0.009) [Figure 1]. No statistically significant changes were observed in creatitine levels, creatinine clearance and transaminases by Week 24 [Figure 1]. 37 ADRs were reported by 17 patients (20%) over the 24-week period. Among the most frequently observed ADRs (>5%) were epigastralgia reported by 7.1% of patients (6/85) and loose stools/diarrhoea by 5.9% of patients (5/85). The majority of ADRs reported (nevents=25; 67.6%) were graded as mild in severity, while 21.6% (nevents=8) were graded as moderate and 10.8% (nevents=4) as severe. Most ADRs (nevents=31; 83.8%) resulted in full recovery by Week 24. The overall incidence of SADRs was as low as 1.2% (in particular one patient experienced severe epigastralgia and upper extremity pain which resulted in her withdrawal from the study after four months of treatment). The all-cause discontinuation rate was 9.4% (8/85), while only two patients (2.4%) discontinued the study therapy due to ADR; 1 patient due to increased transaminase levels and 1 patient due to the aforementioned SADR. Conclusions: These data highlight the safety profile of deferasirox in both adult and pediatric patients; the regular monitoring of serum ferritin levels as well as other iron-overload parameters and transfusion requirements play a major role in determining and optimizing the outcome of iron chelation therapy. Disclosures: Ladis: Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Drossou:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Vini:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Athanasiou-Metaxa:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Research Funding. Oikonomou:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Vlachaki:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Tigka:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Employment. Tzavelas:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Employment. Liakopoulou:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Adamopoulos:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Investigator participating in a trial sponsored by Novartis. Kattamis:Novartis Hellas S.A.C.I.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Cardiac Iron Overload Causes Clinically Evident Heart Failure and Arrhythmia in Sickle Cell Anemia Patients: Evidence From Three Cases

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 4846-4846
Author(s):  
Bhakti P. Mehta ◽  
Vasilios Berdoukas ◽  
Mammen Puliyel ◽  
Adam Bush ◽  
Thomas Hofstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Cardiac Iron ◽  
Cardiac Iron Overload ◽  
Clinical Heart Failure ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

Abstract Abstract 4846 Transfusional iron overload is associated with poor outcomes in sickle cell disease (SCD). Unlike in thalassemia major (TM), there is no evidence that the iron overload per se causes morbidity in SCD. We present two patients with clear evidence of heart failure and arrhythmia secondary to transfusion induced cardiac iron overload, whose symptoms and signs completely resolved after a short period of intensive iron chelation. We studied 134 patients with SCD with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Over 50% of patients with TM and 70% of patients with transfusion dependent Diamond Blackfan Anemia demonstrate cardiac iron overload. We reviewed 472 MRIs in 134 patients with SCD. The median liver iron concentration (LIC) was 10.2 mg/g dry weight (dw). Ten percent of the patients had liver iron > 35mg/g dw. Three (2.2%) demonstrated cardiac iron overload. Patient 1 is now 27 years old and began transfusions at the age of 15 years because of pulmonary hypertension. The first MRI performed at the age of 22 years showed LIC >50 mg/g dw and a cardiac R2* of 128 sec−1 (T2* 7.8 ms) that indicates severe cardiac iron load. At this time she was changed from deferasirox to continuous infusion of desferrioxamine. After 6 months the LIC was 47 mg/g dw and her cardiac R2* was 123sec−1 (T2* 8.1ms). She had dyspnea on mild exertion, ankle edema, and orthopnea. Her left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by MRI at that time was 45%. She started intensive chelation therapy with deferiprone (on compassionate basis) 100mg/kg/day and deferasirox 40mg/kg/day. Her symptoms and signs of clinical heart failure resolved within two months. She remains asymptomatic. After 7 months cardiac R2* is 88 sec−1 (T2*11.3ms) with an LVEF of 55% and LIC of 36 mg/g dw. Patient 2 is now 32 years of age. She started regular blood transfusions at the age of 9 years. Her first MRI at the age of 27 years showed a LIC of >60 mg/g dw and no evidence of cardiac iron overload with a cardiac R2* of 29 sec−1(T2* 34.9ms) with an LVEF of 61%. After 2.5 years her cardiac R2* was 68 sec−1 (T2* 14.7 ms) with an LVEF of 65.7% and 18 months later it was 123 sec−1(T2* 8.1 ms) with an LVEF of 72%. She developed significant arrhythmias coincident with her rapid cardiac iron loading. She was started on compassionate use deferiprone and deferoxamine, with which she is poorly compliant. Repeat cardiac MRI showed a worsening of cardiac iron with R2* of 204 sec−1 (T2* 4.9ms) after 8 months with an improved LVEF of 72%. She currently continues of her regular transfusions and deferiprone and is awaiting repeat MRI. Her LVEF improved while on the chelation therapy despite the deterioration in her cardiac iron content. This is consistent with our observation that LVEF tends to improve even with intermittent chelation although the cardiac iron may not decrease. Patient 3 died of numerous complications of SCD at the age of 19 years. She had started transfusions at the age of 10 years, because of a cerebrovascular accident. At the age of 14 years her first abdominal MRI demonstrated a LIC of 12.8 mg/g dw. She had her first cardiac MRI at the age of 16 years which showed no evidence of cardiac iron with a R2* of 30 sec−1 (T2* 32.7ms), which worsened to 57 (T2* 17.4ms) at the age of 17, reflecting a small but rapid increase in cardiac iron. Patient 1 and 2 demonstrate that transfusional iron overload can directly cause life threatening complications in patients with SCD. Patient 1 in particular, was in overt clinical heart failure that responded dramatically to intensification of chelation therapy. These data underscore the importance of direct measurement of tissue iron concentrations and points out that though uncommon, cardiac iron overload can occur in patients with sickle cell anemia with serious consequences. Disclosures: Berdoukas: ApoPharma Inc.: Consultancy. Carson:ApoPharma Inc.: Honoraria; Novartis Inc: Speakers Bureau. Wood:Cooleys Anemia Foundation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ferrokin Biosciences: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding. Coates:Novartis Inc: Speakers Bureau.

scholarly journals JADENU® SUBSTITUTING EXJADE® IN IRON OVERLOADED Β- THALASSEMIA MAJOR (BTM) PATIENTS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE EFFECTS ON THE TOLERABILITY, SERUM FERRITIN LEVEL, LIVER IRON CONCENTRATION AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILES

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. e2018064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo De Sanctis
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Serum Ferritin Level ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Liver Iron Concentration ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Transfusion Therapy ◽  
Biochemical Profiles

Abstract. Introduction: Due to the chronic nature of chelation therapy and the adverse consequences of iron overload, patient adherence to therapy is an important issue. Jadenu ® is a new oral formulation of deferasirox (Exjade ®) tablets for oral suspension. While Exjade®  is a dispersible tablet that must be mixed in liquid and taken on an empty stomach, Jadenu ® can be taken in a single step, with or without a light meal, simplifying administration for the treatment of  patients with chronic iron overload. This may significantly improve the compliance to treatment of patients withβ-thalasemia major (BMT). The aim of this study was to evalute the drug tolerability and the effects of chelation therapy on serum ferritin concentration, liver iron concentration (LIC) and biochemical profiles in patients with BMT and iron overload. Patients and Methods: Twelve selected adult patients BMT (mean age: 29 years; range:15-34 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients were on monthly regular packed cell transfusion therapy to keep their pre-transfusional hemoglobin (Hb) level not less than 9 g/dL. They were on Exjade ® therapy (30 mg/kg per day) for 2 years or more before starting Jadenu ® therapy (14-28 mg/kg/day). The reason for  shifting from Deferasirox ® to Jadenu ® therapy was lack of tolerability,  since most of the patients described Deferasirox ® as not palatable. Lab investigations included montly urine analysis and measurement of their serum concentrations of creatinine, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum ferritin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST) and albumin concentrations. LIC was measured using FerriScan ®. Thyroid function, vitamin D and serum parathormone, before and one year  after starting  Jadenu ® therapy, were also assessed. Results: Apart from some minor gastrointestinal complaints reported in 3 BMT patients that did not require discontinuation of therapy, other side effects were not registered during the treatment.  Subjectively, patients reported an improvement in the palatability of Jadenu® compared to Exjade ® therapy in 8 out of 12 BMT patients.  A non-significant decrease in LIC and  serum ferritin levels was observed after 1 year of  treatment with Jadenu ® . A positive significant correlation was found between serum ferritin level and LIC measured by FerriScan ® method. LIC and serum ferritin level correlated significantly with ALT level (r = 0.31 and 0.45 respectively, p < 0.05). No significant correlation was detected between LIC and other biochemical or hormonal parameters. Conclusion: Our study shows that short-term treatment with Jadenu ® is safe but is associated with  a non-significant decrease in LIC and serum ferritin levels. Therefore, there is an urgent need for adequately-powered and high-quality trials to assess the clinical efficacy and  the long-term outcomes of new deferasirox formulation.

Iron Chelation Therapy with Deferasirox (Exjade®, ICL670) or Deferoxamine Is Effective in Reducing Iron Overload in Patients with Advanced Fibrosis and Cirrhosis.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 2696-2696 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Angelucci ◽  
B. Turlin ◽  
D. Canatan ◽  
A. Mangiagli ◽  
V. De Sanctis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Iron Chelator ◽  
Advanced Fibrosis ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Tissue Iron

Abstract Introduction: Although the direct measurement of iron from a liver biopsy is the reference standard method to determine liver iron concentration (LIC), results are highly unreliable in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. As a result, chelation therapy is difficult to monitor in this patient population where effective chelation therapy may be critical. It is therefore important to assess parameters additional to LIC in order to accurately assess body iron in these patients. Aim: To analyze the efficacy of chelation with deferoxamine (DFO) and the investigational once-daily, oral iron chelator deferasirox (DSX) in patients with advanced fibrosis participating in DSX registration studies. Methods: A subgroup of patients from DSX Studies 0107 and 0108 were selected based on a staging result according to the Ischak scale of 5 (incomplete cirrhosis) or 6 (probable or definite cirrhosis), measured either at baseline or after 1 year of chelation therapy. The subgroup of patients with β-thalassemia participating in Study 0107 received DSX (n=26) or DFO (n=30). In Study 0108, the subgroup of patients with β-thalassemia unable to be treated with DFO (n=12) or patients with anemias other than β-thalassemia (n=7) were treated with DSX only. In both studies, patients received chelation therapy according to baseline LIC. Results: In Study 0107, treatment with DSX or DFO led to a decrease in semi-quantitative tissue iron score (TIS) and LIC, which were paralleled by changes in serum ferritin. TIS, LIC and serum ferritin in a subgroup of patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis treated with DSX and DFO (Study 0107) TIS LIC, mg Fe/g dw Serum ferritin, ng/mL DSX (n=26) DFO (n=30) DSX (n=26) DFO (n=30) DSX (n=26) DFO (n=30) *Median (min, max) Baseline* 35.5 (4,39) 34 (10,52) 25.5 (2.4,45.9) 19.5 (3.9,55.1) 4195 (321,12646) 4144 (653,15283) Change from baseline* −2 (−43,20) −2 (−25,16) −9.4 (−42.2,13.1) −3.1 (−24.5,12.4) −1269 (−7082,3609) −951 (−8259,1264 Similarly, in Study 0108, DSX treatment produced a decrease in all 3 parameters in patients with β-thalassemia or rare anemia. TIS, LIC and serum ferritin in a subgroup of β-thalassemia and rare anemia patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis (Study 0108) TIS LIC, mg Fe/g dw Serum ferritin, ng/mL β-thalassemia (n=12) Rare anemia (n=7) β-thalassemia (n=12) Rare anemia (n=7) -thalassemia β (n=12) Rare anemia (n=7) *Median (min, max) Baseline* 35 (4,48) 41 (32,49) 29.4 (3.8,37.4) 26.3 (15,51.3) 4813 (440,11698) 2385 (1553,9099) Change from baseline* 2 (−19,27) −3 (−20,1) −1.6 (−18,9.9) −10 (−13.9,8.8) −986 (−4453,2131) −1322 (−2609,1901) Conclusions: Chelation therapy with DSX or DFO is effective in reducing iron overload in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The trends observed in TIS and LIC were closely mirrored by changes in serum ferritin, highlighting the validity of this method for monitoring chelation therapy in this population.

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