Changes in MRI-Estimated Cardiac and Hepatic Iron Load in β-Thalassemia Patients Treated with Deferasirox at a Single Institution

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 5418-5418
Author(s):  
Antonios Kattamis ◽  
Panayiotis Moraitis ◽  
Athanasia Lourida ◽  
Efthemia Rigatou ◽  
Vassilios Ladis

Abstract Chronic transfusions have dramatically improved the life expectancy of patients with β-thalassemia, but leads to severe iron overload. Long-term iron chelation therapy aims both in the prevention and the reversal of iron load and iron toxicity. The available chelators seem to have different profiles of relative heart and liver iron removal. Data on cardiac efficacy of deferasirox (DFX; Exjade®) are limited. We report results on patients with thalassemia, followed in a single institution, who completed at least 12 months of treatment with deferasirox. Methods: Fifty five patients (22 males, 33 females; mean age: 27±7.1 years, splenectomised: 5 patients, HCV seropositive: 7 patients) were included in the study. The patients were treated with deferasirox at a mean dose of 27.2±5.2 mg/kg/day (range 15–40 mg/kg/day). Sixty-one pairs of MRI assessments of cardiac and hepatic iron overload by using the T2* technique were performed at a mean time interval of 13.7±2.4 months. Cardiac function parameters, mainly ejection function (EF), were also estimated at the same time. Results: Mean, SD and range at the time of the first MRI evaluation showed: ferritin: 2520±1584 ng/mL (371–6953 ng/mL), cardiac T2*: 25.3±10.7 ms (3.8–39.2ms), liver T2*: 4.5±4.6 ms (0.57–21.1ms) and ejection fraction: 66.9±4.8 ms (55.5–75.4%). Follow up assessments showed: ferritin: 2375±1743 ng/mL (39–7245 ng/mL), cardiac T2*: 27,1±11.7 ms (2.7–40.8ms), liver T2*: 6.2±6.2 ms (0.5–26.4ms) and ejection fraction: 66.1±4.8 ms (55.8–75.4%). Changes in liver and cardiac T2* were statistically significant (p=0.0004 and 0.008, respectively). Changes of the cardiac T2* values correlated well with the dose of deferasirox, while changes of liver T2* with ferritin changes (r=−0.284, p=0.032, r=−0. 27 and p=0.046, respectively). A statistical significant improvement (p<0.05) in cardiac and hepatic iron load was observed in the subgroup of 22 patients with severe liver iron load (defined as hepatic T2*<1.9 ms). In 18 patients with moderate/severe cardiac iron load (cardiac T2*<20ms), T2* decreased in 5, remained stable in 2 and improved in 11 patients (mean 10.7±5.5 ms vs. 12.1±7.1, p=0.078).[S1] Conclusions: This observational study shows that treatment with deferasirox improves both hepatic and cardiac iron overload in regularly transfused β-thalassemia patients. Adjustment of the dose is required to enhance iron excretion and achieve better negative iron balance

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4041-4041
Author(s):  
Antonella Meloni ◽  
Aurelio Maggio ◽  
Anna Pietrapertosa ◽  
Pier Paolo Bitti ◽  
Sabrina Armari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of iron chelation therapy in thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients. Our study aimed to prospectively assess by quantitative Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) the efficacy of the three available chelators in monotherapy in transfusion dependent (TD) TI patients. Methods. Among the 325 TI patients enrolled in the MIOT (Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia) network, we selected 103 TI patients TD with an MRI follow-up (FU) study at 18±3 months who had been received one chelator alone between the two MRI scans. Iron overload was assessed by the T2* multiecho technique. Hepatic T2* values were converted into liver iron concentration (LIC) values. Results. Three groups of patients were identified: 27 patients (13 females, mean age 40.12±10.31 years) treated with desferioxamine (DFO – mean dosage 37.52±8.69 mg/kg/die), 23 patients (14 females, mean age 34.73±10.67 years) treated with deferiprone (DFP– dosage 71.70±14.46mg/kg/die) and 14 patients (9 females, mean age 36.63±10.92 years) treated with deferasirox (DFX – mean dosage 27.75±5.04 mg/kg/die). Excellent/good levels of compliance were similar in the DFO (92.6%), DFP (100%) and DFX (100%) groups (P=0.345). The mean starting age of regular transfusion was 14.73±15.89 years. At baseline in DFO group two patients (7.4%) showed a global heart T2*<20 ms and one of them showed no cardiac iron at the FU. At baseline in DFP group two patients (8.7%) showed a global heart T2*<20 ms and one of them showed no cardiac iron at the FU. All the 5 patients (35.7%) under DFX therapy with pathological global heart T2* at the baseline remained at the same status at the FU. The percentage of patients who maintained a normal global heart T2* value was comparable for DFO (100%), DFP (100%) and DFX (88.9%) groups (P=0.164). Among the 46 patients with hepatic iron at baseline (MRI LIC ≥3 mg/g/dw), the reduction in the MRI LIC values was significant only in the DFO group (DFO: -3.39±6.38 mg/g/dw P=0.041; DFP: -2.25±6.01 mg/g/dw P=0.136 and DFX: -0.36±5.56 mg/g/dw P=0.875). The decrease in MRI LIC values was comparable among the groups (P=0.336). The number of patients with a MRI LIC<3 mg/g/dw went up from 10 (37%) to 11 (40.7%) in the DFO group, from 6 (26.1%) to 8 (34.8%) in the DFP group and from 2 (14.3%) to 8 (57.1%) in the DFX group. The percentage of patients who maintained a normal MRI LIC value was comparable for DFO (90%) vs DFP (50%) and DFX (100%) groups (P=0.191). Conclusion: Prospectively in transfusion-dependent TI patients at the dosages used in the clinical practice, DFO and DFP showed 100% efficacy in maintaining a normal global heart T2* value while DFX had 100% efficacy in maintaining a normal LIC value. Further prospective studies involving more patients with iron at the baseline are needed to establish which is the most effective drug in reducing iron levels. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures Pepe: Chiesi: Speakers Bureau; ApoPharma Inc.: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 618-618
Author(s):  
Janet L. Kwiatkowski ◽  
Mohsen Saleh Elalfy ◽  
Caroline Fradette ◽  
Mona Hamdy ◽  
Amal El-Beshlawy ◽  
...  

Background: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) or other rare anemias whose care includes chronic blood transfusions must receive iron chelation to prevent the morbidity of iron overload. Currently, only deferoxamine (DFO) and deferasirox (DFX) are approved chelators in these patient populations. This randomized open-label trial evaluated if the efficacy of deferiprone (DFP) was non-inferior to DFO. DFO was used as the comparator product since DFX was not approved as first-line treatment for SCD at trial initiation. Methods: Participants at 27 sites in 8 countries were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either DFP or DFO for up to 12 months. Those with lower transfusional iron input and/or less severe iron load were prescribed either DFP 25 mg/kg of body weight t.i.d. or DFO 20 mg/kg (children) or 40 mg/kg (adults); those with higher iron input and/or more severe iron load received either DFP 33 mg/kg t.i.d. or DFO up to 40 mg/kg (children) or 50 mg/kg (adults). Dosages could be adjusted over the course of the trial if necessary. Efficacy endpoints were the changes from baseline in liver iron concentration (LIC), cardiac iron, and serum ferritin (SF) at Month 12. The primary endpoint was based on LIC, and for the demonstration of non-inferiority of DFP to DFO, the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for the difference between treatments had to be no more than 2 mg/g dry weight (dw). All patients had their neutrophil count monitored weekly, whereas other safety assessments and compliance with study therapy were evaluated monthly. Acceptable compliance was defined as taking 80% to 120% of the prescribed dosage. Results: A total of 228 of the targeted 300 patients were dosed with 152 receiving DFP and 76 receiving DFO, to assess non-inferiority. There were no significant differences between the groups in any demographic measures: in each treatment group, 84% of patients had SCD and the remainder had other, rarer forms of transfusion-dependent anemia. Mean age at enrollment was 16.9 years (± 9.6); 53.1% of patients were male; and 77.2% were white, 16.2% black, and 6.6% multi-racial. Over the course of the study, 69% of patients in the DFP group and 79% in the DFO group had acceptable compliance with treatment. Based on the Pocock's α spending function, a more stringent confidence level of 96.01% was applied to the calculation of confidence interval for the evaluation of non-inferiority. For the primary efficacy endpoint, the least squares (LS) mean change in LIC (measured as mg/g dw) was -4.04 for DFP, -4.45 for DFO; the upper limit of the 96.01% confidence interval for the difference was 1.57, thereby demonstrating non-inferiority of DFP to DFO. The upper limit for the subpopulation of patients with SCD also met the non-inferiority criterion. For the secondary endpoints, the change in cardiac iron (measured as ms on MRI T2*, log-transformed) was approximately -0.02 for both; and for SF (measured as μg/L), it was -415 vs. -750 for DFP vs. DFO, respectively. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant for both endpoints. With respect to safety, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the overall rate of adverse events (AEs), treatment-related AEs, serious AEs, or withdrawals from the study due to AEs. Agranulocytosis was seen in 1 DFP patient vs. no DFO patients, while events of less severe episodes of neutropenia occurred in 4 vs. 1, respectively. All episodes of agranulocytosis and neutropenia resolved. There was no significant treatment group difference in the rates of any of the serious AEs. Conclusion: The efficacy of DFP for the treatment of iron overload in patients with SCD or other rare anemias is not inferior to that of DFO, as assessed by changes in liver iron concentration. non-inferiority was supported by the endpoints on cardiac iron load and SF. The safety profile of DFP was acceptable and was similar to that previously seen in thalassemia patients, and its use was not associated with unexpected serious adverse events. The results of this study support the use of DFP for the treatment of iron overload in patients with SCD or other rare transfusion-dependent anemias. Note: The authors listed here are presenting these findings on behalf of all investigators who participated in the study. Disclosures Kwiatkowski: Terumo: Research Funding; Imara: Consultancy; bluebird bio, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Apopharma: Research Funding. Fradette:ApoPharma: Employment. Kanter:Sangamo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Imara: Consultancy; Guidepoint Global: Consultancy; GLG: Consultancy; Cowen: Consultancy; Jeffries: Consultancy; Medscape: Honoraria; Rockpointe: Honoraria; Peerview: Honoraria; SCDAA: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NHLBI: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; bluebird bio, Inc.: Consultancy; Modus: Consultancy, Honoraria. Tsang:Apotex Inc.: Employment. Stilman:ApoPharma: Employment. Rozova:ApoPharma: Employment. Sinclair:ApoPharma: Employment. Shaw:ApoPharma: Employment. Chan:ApoPharma: Employment. Toiber Temin:ApoPharma: Employment. Lee:ApoPharma: Employment. Spino:ApoPharma: Employment. Tricta:ApoPharma: Employment. OffLabel Disclosure: Deferiprone is an oral iron chelator.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 5410-5410
Author(s):  
Vassilios Ladis ◽  
Giorgos Chouliaras ◽  
Kirikos Zannikos ◽  
Panagiotis Moraitis ◽  
Eleni Berdoussi ◽  
...  

Abstract In 212 thalassemia major patients, repeated assessments for cardiac and hepatic iron (LIC) assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI – T2*) have been performed. The chelation regimes were either desferrioxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP), combination of DFO and DFP (Comb) or deferasirox (DFX). In general over the last few years, tailoring of chelation therapy has been principally guided by the cardiac iron loading. As many patients had been found to have excess cardiac iron, the majority (48%) had been placed on Comb. Patients were grouped according to the degree of siderosis. A T2* of &lt;1.6ms was regarded as heavy LIC, between 1.6–4.0 moderate, 4.1–9.0 mild and &gt; 9.1 acceptable. Taking into account that the change in T2* is not necessarily linear with respect to time and as the overall time of exposure to DFO, DFP and Comb regimes was significantly greater than that with DFX it was unjustified to perform comparative analysis using the total time period of the patients who were on any of the non DFX regimes. Therefore, to compare the efficacy of the four regimes on LIC, we performed an analysis using student T test to assess the rate of change only between the first and second MRI in patients with comparable LIC according to each chelation regime with adjustment for overall time of exposure (Table 1). Using the same data and applying linear regression analysis (Table 2) we compared the effect of DFO to the other three regimes in the annual rate of increasing hepatic T2*. Only Comb is effective at all levels of hepatic iron loading in reducing the iron content. DFX is effective in the mildly iron loaded patients and for the moderately iron loaded patients, its efficacy approaches statistical significance. DFP does not seem to significantly decrease LIC at any level of hepatic iron load however the numbers of patients in that group are very small. Interestingly DFO seems the least effective at all levels of hepatic iron loading and particularly in the heavy loaded patients. This factor may be related to poor compliance to its use as the patients who have reached such levels of iron load are more often those who are not compliant. In the comparison analysis to DFO, only Comb is significantly better and DFP and DFX are equivalent to it. In addition Comb is more effective than DFX and DFP in that over 12 months it would increase the T2* by 3.8ms (p &lt;0.001) and 3.9ms (p 0.012) respectively. DFX and DFP are similar in efficacy in that they maintain the liver iron at the same levels (DFP vDFX 0.009ms p=0.95). In patients with hepatic T2* &gt;9ms, 4 of 11 on DFO, 5 of 6 on DFX, 7 of 11 on DFP and 3 of 22 on Comb fell below 9. It is of note that DFO only maintains LIC and that a number of patients in the normal range increased LIC. Taking this data into account the DFX and DFP results are compatible with those seen both in the clinic and in trials. It is apparent however that combination therapy is the most effective regime for reducing hepatic iron significantly. As with cardiac iron loading, by knowing the degree of hepatic iron loading by the non-invasive T2* measurement and being able to manipulate patients chelation regimes, it seems possible to be able to have patients free of excess hepatic iron and potentially reduce other iron related morbidities as well. Table 1 Annual estimated mean change in T2* according to severity of hepatic siderosis Regime Heavy Moderate Mild ΔT2* p ΔT2** p ΔT2* p *tm= mean time (in months) between MRI studies DFO n= 42 tm*= 24.6 0.05 0.5 0.57 0.37 0.1 0.7 DFP n= 11 tm= 23.8 0.56 0.25 0.88 0.31 3.5 0.19 Comb n= 101 tm=21.7 1.17 0.0064 3.6 &lt;0.001 5.9 &lt;0.001 DFX n=58 tm=15.2 3.1 0.11 1.25 0.06 3.8 0.014 Table 3 Mean estimated difference in T2* Standard Error p DFP v. DFO −0.7 1.6 0.7 Comb v DFO 3.1 1.05 0.03 DFX v DFO −0.7 1.2 0.5


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4270-4270
Author(s):  
Antonios Kattamis ◽  
Konstantinos Stokidis ◽  
Theoni Petropoulou ◽  
Dimitra Kyriacopoulou ◽  
Polyxeni Delaporta ◽  
...  

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.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 2781-2781 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wood ◽  
A.A. Thompson ◽  
C. Paley ◽  
B. Kang ◽  
P. Giardina ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Despite the routine use of iron chelation therapy, cardiac iron overload results in cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and death in approximately 71% of pts with β-thalassemia. Recent MRI studies suggest that the kinetics of cardiac iron uptake and elimination differ from that of liver. Furthermore, different chelators appear to exhibit unique profiles of relative heart and liver iron removal. Deferasirox (DFX; Exjade®) is a once-daily oral iron chelator with demonstrated efficacy in reducing liver iron. In addition, preclinical and single-institution clinical studies have demonstrated cardiac iron removal. This study is a prospective, single-arm multi-institutional trial designed to evaluate the effect of DFX on cardiac iron in pts with β-thalassemia major. Here, we report preliminary results from the first 15 pts who completed 6 months of treatment. Methods: This ongoing study will enroll 30 pts at 4 US centers. DFX is administered at 30–40 mg/kg/day for 18 months. Entry criteria include MRI evidence of cardiac iron (T2* <20 ms) and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥56%). Serum ferritin is assessed monthly and MRI assessments for liver iron concentration (LIC), cardiac T2* and LVEF are assessed every 6 months. Labile plasma iron (LPI), serum creatinine, biochemical and hematological status are being monitored. Results: At the time of this analysis, 15 of 17 pts had 6 months of evaluation; all were dosed at 30 mg/kg/day. One of the excluded pts was found ineligible (LVEF <56% at baseline) and the other developed cardiac failure prior to 6 months and was switched to continuous DFO (deferoxamine). This pt had markedly elevated cardiac iron (T2*=1.8 ms) at enrollment. All results are reported as mean±SEM (range) unless otherwise stated. Baseline: All 15 evaluable pts (3 male, 12 female; aged 10–43 years) received ≥150 lifetime transfusions. Ferritin was 4927±987 ng/mL (395–10751; n=12). Cardiac T2* was 9.8±1.13 ms (5.0–16.1), LIC was 16.6±4.27 mg/g dw (3.6–62.3) and ejection fraction was 61.2±1.83%. LPI was 0.72±0.28 μmol/L (n=11) and 33% of pts started with abnormal LPI (≥0.5 μmol/L). 6 Month results: At 6 months, the mean decrease in ferritin was 516 ng/mL; 14 of 15 (93%) pts had decreases in hepatic and cardiac iron. The mean reductions in cardiac and hepatic iron were 17.8% (P=0.0136) and 27.0% (P=0.0027), respectively (Figure). There was no change in LVEF by MRI. All patients had normal LPI at 6 months; for pts with abnormal LPI at baseline, the mean LPI dropped from 1.6±0.3 to 0.26±0.1 μmol/L (P=0.003). No pts developed creatinine >upper limit of normal. Four pts had abnormal transaminases on ≥2 occasions but all 4 were abnormal at baseline. Conclusions: The 30 mg/kg/day dose was well tolerated and led to negative cardiac and liver iron balance in 93% of pts. These results are encouraging given this heavily iron-overloaded and heavily transfused population of β-thalassemia pts. Ongoing assessments over 12 and 18 months will elucidate if DFX continues to improve cardiac iron burden and maintain/improve cardiac function in severely iron-overloaded pts. Figure Figure


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2059-2059
Author(s):  
Maya Otto-Duessel ◽  
Casey Brewer ◽  
Aleya Hyderi ◽  
Jens Lykkesfeldt ◽  
Ignacio Gonzalez-Gomez ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2059 Introduction: Iron dextran injections are often used to induce iron overload in rodents, for the purposes of assessing iron chelation therapy. In gerbils, we have previously described that deferasirox therapy preferentially clears hepatocellular iron when compared with reticuloendothelial stores. Ascorbate deficiency, which is common in humans with iron overload, produces similar profound disparities between reticuloendothelial and parenchymal iron stores. We postulated that iron-induced ascorbate deficiency might be exaggerating reticuloendothelial iron retention in gerbils receiving deferasirox therapy. This study examined the effect of supplemental ascorbate on spontaneous iron loss and deferasirox chelation efficiency in the iron-dextran loaded gerbil. Methods: 48 female gerbils underwent iron dextran loading at 200 mg/kg/week for 10 weeks. Sixteen animals were sacrificed at 11 weeks to characterize iron loading; eight were on standard rodent chow and eight had chow supplemented with 2250 ppm of ascorbate. 32 additional animals that were not ascorbate supplemented during iron loading transitioned into the chelation phase. Half were subsequently placed on ascorbate supplemented chow and both groups were assigned to receive either deferasirox 100 mg/kg/day five days per week or sham chelation. Animals received iron chelation for twelve weeks. Liver histology was assessed using H & E and Prussian blue stains. Iron loading was ranked and graded on a five-point scale by an experienced pathologist screened to the treatment arm. Iron quantitation in liver and heart was performed by atomic absorption. Results: Table 1 one summarizes the findings. During iron dextran loading, ascorbate supplementation lowered wet weight liver iron concentration but not liver iron content suggesting primarily changes in tissue water content. Spontaneous iron losses were insignificant, regardless of ascorbate therapy. Deferasirox lowered liver iron content 56% (4.7% per week) in animals without ascorbate supplementation and 48.3% (4.0% per week) with ascorbate supplementation (p=NS). Cardiac iron loading, unloading and redistribution were completely unaffected by ascorbate supplementation. Spontaneous iron redistribution was large (1.9% – 2.3% per week). Deferasirox chelation did not lower cardiac iron to a greater degree than spontaneous cardiac iron redistribution. Histologic grading paralleled tissue wet weight iron concentrations. Ascorbate treatment lowered the rank and absolute iron score in liver during iron loading (p=0.003) and there was a trend toward lower iron scoring in sham treated animals (p=0.13). Ascorbate had no effect on histological score or relative compartment distributions of iron in deferasirox chelated animals (p=0.5). Ascorbate supplementation was sufficient to increase total plasma ascorbate levels from 25 ± 12.2 uM to 38.4 ± 11 uM at 10 weeks (p=0.03). In the liver, ascorbate increased from 1203 ± 212 nmol/g of tissue to 1515 ± 194 nmol/g of tissue (p=0.01) with supplementation. No significant change in total ascorbate was observed in the heart. Discussion: We hypothesized that ascorbate supplementation might improve reticuloendothelial iron accessibility to deferasirox by facilitating redox cycling. Although gerbils synthesize their own ascorbate, supplementation was able to raise both serum and hepatic total ascorbate levels. However, increasing ascorbate did not change either the amount or distribution of tissue iron in deferasirox-treated animals. Disclosures: Nick: Novartis: Employment. Wood:Novartis: Research Funding; Ferrokin Biosciences: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1087-1087
Author(s):  
Alessia Pepe ◽  
Antonella Meloni ◽  
Giuseppe Rossi ◽  
Domenico Giuseppe D'Ascola ◽  
Marcello Capra ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1087 Introduction: No data are available in literature about possible different changes in cardiac and hepatic iron and in cardiac function in thalassemia major (TM) patients treated with sequential deferipron–desferrioxamine (DFP-DFO) versus deferasirox (DFX). Magnetic Resonance (MR) is the unique non invasive suitable technique to evaluated quantitatively this issue.Our aim was to prospectively assess the efficacy of the DFP-DFO vs DFX in a large cohort of TM patients by quantitative MR. Methods: Among the first 1135 TM patients enrolled in the MIOT (Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia) network, 392 patients performed a MR follow up study at 18 ± 3 months according to the protocol. We evaluated prospectively 35 patients treated with DFP-DFO versus 80 patients treated with DFX between the 2 MR scans. Cardiac iron was evaluated by T2* multiecho multislice technique. Biventricular function parameters were quantitatively evaluated by cine images. Liver iron was measured by T2* multiecho technique. Results: Excellent/good levels of compliance were similar in the two groups (DFP-DFO 97.1% vs DFX 98.8%; P=0.544). Among the patients with no significant myocardial iron overload (MIO) at baseline (global heart T2*≥20 ms), there were no significant differences between groups to maintain the patients without myocardial iron overload (DFP-DFO 96% vs DFX 98%; P=0.536). Among the patients with MIO at baseline, in both groups there was a significant improvement in the global heart T2* value (DFP-DFO: 4.8±3.9 ms P=0.004 and DFX: 3.5±4.7 P=0.001) and a significant reduction in the number of pathological segments (DFP-DFO: −3.2±3.8 P=0.026 and DFX: −2.4±3.8 P=0.003). Only in sequential group there was a significant increment in the left and right ventricular ejection fractions (4.3±5.1% P=0.035 and 6.7±6.6% P=0.017, respectively). The improvement in the global heart T2* was not significantly different between groups. The improvement in the left as well in the right ventricular ejection fractions was significantly different between groups (P=0.009 and P=0.015, respectively) (Figure 1). Among the patients with hepatic iron at baseline (T2*<9.2 ms), only in the DFX group there was a significant improvement in the liver T2* value (2.6±5.3 ms P=0.001). The changes in liver T2* were significantly higher in DFX group than in DFP-DFO (0.5±2.0 ms) group (P=0.030) (Figure 2). Conclusions: In TM patients prospectively no significant differences on cardiac iron were found between sequential DFP–DFO treatment versus DFX in monoterapy, although the DFP-DFO treatment was significantly more effective in improving biventricular global systolic function. Conversely, DFX was significantly more effective in reducing hepatic siderosis. Disclosures: Pepe: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Apotex: Speakers Bureau; Chiesi: Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Association of two chelators commercially available in order to obtain a higher efficacy. Borgna-Pignatti:Apotex: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2151-2151
Author(s):  
Mariane De Montalembert ◽  
Jean-Antoine Ribeil ◽  
Valentine Brousse ◽  
Agnes Guerci-Bresler ◽  
Aspasia Stamatoullas ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Cardiac iron overload is the major cause for death in regularly transfused thalassemic (Thal) patients. Its impact in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients is debated. Heart seems to be spared in regularly transfused patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), which is supposed to be related to a later onset on transfusions and to the use of erythrocytapheresis rather than simple transfusion. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of cardiac iron overload, defined as a T2*cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) <20ms, and to look for predisposing factors. Patients and methods. Patients were enrolled if they were regularly followed in a center where the exact number of erythrocyte concentrates (EC) could be obtained, had received in the previous year more than 8 EC, were older than 6 years (limit for MRI without sedation), had no known heart disease related to another pathology, and had given informed consent. All patients underwent 1.5T myocardial T2*MR imaging after validation of the procedures in the different sites. Assessment of Liver Iron Content (LIC) used two signal intensity ratio of gradient echo imaging (R2*) MRI protocols. Serum Non-Transferrin Bound Iron (NTBI) was measured by the FeROSTM eLPI kit, and serum hepcidin by LC-MSMS. Results. 20 Thal, 41 SCA and 25 MDS patients were evaluable. We divided SCA in 2 groups, according to the procedure recorded at the time of the study, manual exchange transfusion (G1, N = 30 patients), or erythrocytapheresis (G2, N=11 patients). We found cardiac overload in 0, 3 (15%), and 4 (16%) of SCA, Thal, and MDS patients respectively. Serum ferritins at beginning of chelation were not statistically different in all categories of patients, as well as Ferritin and LIC at the time of the study. Increased LIC and abnormal T2* were associated in Thal and MDS patients (p=0.04), with no correlation between abnormal T2* and parameters of transfusion and chelation. Plasmatic iron level was increased in Thal and MDS patients but remained at normal range in SCA patients. NTBI level was high in Thal and MDS but completely absent in SCA groups. The major discrepancy was in the values of hepcidin, which were collapsed in Thal, at normal range in SCA, and highly elevated in MDS patients. Discussion and conclusion. We confirm that SCA patients are relatively protected from cardiac iron overload. This results probably from massive consummation of iron through effective erythropoiesis, making toxic free iron (NTBI) less available in the circulation. In addition, since iron overload in SCA results from a massive outflow of hemoglobin (Hb) due to intravascular hemolysis and transfusion, the heme/Hb-bound iron must be efficiently handled in liver macrophages, limiting its release in the bloodstream. In Thal patients, underlying defects in erythropoietic processes, together with low hepcidin that stimulates intestinal iron absorption and increases NTBI, must provoke more organ damages. Hepcidin levels were high in MDS patients, suggesting that transfusion-dependent iron overload was a more effective regulator of hepcidin production than dyserythropoiesis. The % of T2*<20 ms we observed in MDS patients (16%) was quite comparable with previous publications. Finally, we observe that, in opposition with previous reports, SCA patients undergoing eythrocytapheresis may experience severe iron overload and need iron chelation. Table 1. Thal SCA G1 SCA G2 MDS p Age at beginning of transfusion (yrs) 8.5[0-45] 7[0-45] 16.5[1-55] 66[38-83] <0.001 Duration of transfusion (yrs) 10[1-39] 7[1-22] 10.5[0-25] 3[1-10] <0.001 N EC since diagnosis 359[21-1360] 139[24-791] 201[14-888] 77[16-544] 0.0005 N CE/yr 24[8-67] 21[4-62] 35[17-58] 27[7-65] 0.09G1vsG2=0.03 % patientschelated 95 90 72.7 72 0.12 Age at beginning of chelation (yrs) 11[1-48] 9[2-47] 18[6-31] 68[38-84] <0.0005 Ferritin at beginning of chelation (ng/ml) 1148[713-2400] 2075[448-3670] 1500[905-2804] 2398[482-5140] 0.22 N T2*<20 ms 3(15%) 0 0 4(16%) 0.01 LIC (mg/g d.w.) 10.4[0.8-20.2] 10.7[0.8-37.1] 14[0.8-19.7] 15.2[3.0-45.3] 0.29 Plasmatic iron(μmol/l) 36.9[31-57] 22.5[6-42.2] 21[13-46] 38.2[11.9-72] <0.001 NTBI (mg/ml) 7.1[0-31.1] 0[0-18.3] 0[0-12.4] 4.45[0-25.5] 0.0005 Ferritin (ng/ml) 870[169-4339] 2739[393-5596] 2404[33-20030] 1611[223-6813] 0.08 Hepcidin (ng/ml) 1.35[0-12.3] 9.95[0-67.9] 2.10[0-52.4] 36.35[3-143.2] <0.001 Deferasirox dosage<0.5 μg/ml 3/8(38%) 3/10(29%) 3/5(60%) 0/11(0%) 0.03 Disclosures De Montalembert: Addmedica: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Guerci-Bresler:ARIAD: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; PFIZER: Speakers Bureau.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-191
Author(s):  
Guy Rostoker ◽  
Mireille Griuncelli ◽  
Nasredine Ghali ◽  
Séverine Beaudreuil ◽  
Yves Cohen ◽  
...  

Introduction Iron overload is one of the most controversial topics in the management of anemic dialysis patients. Parenteral iron supplementation is commonly prescribed to hemodialysis (HD) patients but less frequently to peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Moreover, ferritin targets are far lower and more physiological in PD than in HD.  Methods We compared the liver iron concentration (LIC) measured by means of Signal-Intensity ratio (SIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to Rennes University method in a cohort of 32 PD patients living in the Paris region published in 2017, with two cohorts of French HD patients studied in the same way (119 patients reported in 2012 and 80 further patients reported in 2014). Results Normal hepatic iron load (LIC ≤ 50 µmol/g of dry weight) was observed in 81.3% of the 32 PD patients (CI: 64.3-91.5%), as compared to only 16% (CI: 10.4-23.7%) in the first HD cohort and 35% (CI: 25.4-45.9%) in the second HD cohort (p<0.0001 for both comparisons; X2 test). Mild iron overload (50 < LIC ≤ 100 µmol/g) was found in 5 PD patients and severe overload (LIC > 200 µmol/g) in only one PD patient (who had received IV iron) (3.1%; CI: 0-17.1%). Conversely, severe iron overload was found in 30.3% of patients in the first HD cohort (CI: 22.7-39%) and 11.3% of those in the second HD cohort (CI: 5.8-20.2%) (p= 0.0033 versus the first HD cohort, X2 test). Conclusion Contrary to hemodialysis patients, iron overload is rare and mostly mild in peritoneal dialysis patients.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1777-1777
Author(s):  
Maya Otto-Duessel ◽  
Michelle I. Aguilar ◽  
Hanspeter Nick ◽  
Rex Moats ◽  
John C. Wood

Abstract Introduction: Iron cardiomyopathy remains the leading cause of death in thalassemia major patients because effective chelation of cardiac iron is difficult. Cardiac iron stores respond more slowly to chelation therapy and appear to require a sustained gradient of labile iron species between myocytes and serum. We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of once-daily deferasirox in removing stored cardiac iron in the gerbil but changes in cardiac iron were relatively modest compared with hepatic iron. We postulated that twice daily dosing (BID), by sustaining a longer labile iron gradient from myocytes to serum, would produce better cardiac iron chelation than a comparable once daily dose (QD). Methods: Twenty four eight-to-ten week old female Mongolian gerbils underwent iron dextran loading for 10 weeks, followed by a 1 week iron equilibration period. Animals were divided into 3 treatment groups of 8 animals apiece and treated with deferasirox 100 mg/kg/day as a single dose (n=8), deferasirox 100 mg/kg/day divided BID (n=8), or sham chelation (n=8) for a total of 12 weeks. Following euthanasia, organs were harvested for quantitative iron determination and tissue histology. Results: All of the animals tolerated the 10-week loading and 12-week chelation with no adverse events. After the 22-week period, hepatic iron content was 17.7 ± 4.8 mg and 21.1 ± 5.3 mg in the QD and BID groups, compared with 43.1 ± 5.3 mg in the sham-chelated animals (p < 0.0001 sham versus treatment, p=0.2 between groups). Corresponding cardiac iron content was 0.19 ± 0.04 mg, 0.16 ± 0.04 mg and 0.23 ± 0.04 mg respectively. These changes were significant in the BID group (p< 0.006 versus sham). While BID versus QD cardiac iron contents were not statistically different, treatment groups were clearly distinct when viewed as a scattergram of heart and liver iron content (Figure 1). The BID treated animals exhibited lower cardiac iron for any given hepatic iron content. This is best observed by comparing the ratio of cardiac to hepatic iron content (Figure 2, which was 0.78% in the BID group versus 1.11% in the QD treated animals (p=0.0007). Discussion: In Mongolian gerbils, deferasirox effectively removed liver and cardiac iron with either BID or QD dosing. BID dosing changed the relative cardiac and liver iron chelation profile compared with QD dosing, trading improvements in cardiac iron elimination for a modest decrease in hepatic chelation. Caution should be exercised in extrapolating these results to humans, however clinical studies of BID administration should be considered for patients requiring high chelator dosing or who have high cardiac iron burden. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2.


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