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®) ≥30 Mg/Kg/Day Is Effective in Reducing Iron Burden in Thalassemia Major Patients Previously Chelated with Monotherapy or Combination Therapy.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4058-4058
Author(s):  
Ali Taher ◽  
Mohsen Saleh Elalfy ◽  
Amal El-Beshlawy ◽  
Dunhua Zhou ◽  
Lee Lee Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Transfusion Requirements

Abstract Abstract 4058 Poster Board III-993 Background Despite the availability of effective chelators, many patients (pts) with β-thalassemia major (TM) present with high iron burden and serum ferritin (SF) >2500 ng/mL, demonstrated to be associated with significant negative outcomes including cardiac disease and organ failure. In the large, prospective EPIC trial including 854 TM pts who received prior chelation therapy, median baseline SF was 3139 ng/mL despite 10.8 yrs of therapy; hence the therapeutic goal was to reduce iron burden. Previous studies have shown that in TM pts with high transfusional iron, ≥30 mg/kg/day deferasirox (Exjade®) doses significantly reduce SF, while 20 mg/kg/day doses maintained SF levels. The objective of this analysis was to assess whether a mean actual deferasirox dose ≥30 mg/kg/day is effective in reducing SF in iron-overloaded pts with TM irrespective of prior chelation therapies. Methods Pts with TM (≥2 yrs) and transfusional iron overload as defined by SF levels ≥1000 ng/mL or <1000 ng/mL but with a history of multiple transfusions (>20 transfusions or 100 mL/kg of blood) and R2 MRI-confirmed liver iron concentration >2 mg Fe/g dry weight were enrolled. Initial deferasirox dosing (10–30 mg/kg/day) was dependent on transfusion requirements and adjusted according to the protocol by 5–10 mg/kg/day (range 0–40 mg/kg/day) every 3 months based on SF trends and safety markers. Pts previously chelated with monotherapy deferoxamine (Desferal®; DFO) or deferiprone (Ferriprox®; DFP) or a combination of both and who received a mean actual deferasirox dose ≥30 mg/kg/day over 1 yr were included. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in SF at 1 yr from baseline (BL). Results Overall, 129 TM pts (15%) who were previously chelated with DFO and/or DFP were treated with a mean actual deferasirox dose of ≥30 mg/kg/day during the 1 yr EPIC trial; 83 pts received prior DFO or DFP monotherapy and 46 received a combination of both. Mean age was 19.5±8.2 vs 23.0±7.2 yrs in prior monotherapy and prior combination therapy pts, respectively. A mean of 167 mL/kg vs 191 mL/kg was transfused in the yr prior to study entry and the mean duration of prior chelation therapy was 11.7±7.7 yrs vs 14.5±7.9 yrs, respectively. During the study, mean transfusional iron intake was similar in both groups (0.36±0.2 and 0.34±0.1 mg/kg/day, respectively). In prior monotherapy pts (mean dose 33.9±2.2 mg/kg/day), median SF decreased from 4885 ng/mL at BL to 4282 ng/mL after 1 yr (Figure) resulting in a decrease from BL of 1024 ng/mL (P<0.0001) based on last-observation-carried-forward (LOCF) analysis. In prior combination therapy pts (mean dose 34.1±3.9 mg/kg/day), median SF decreased from 5921 ng/mL at BL to 4327 ng/mL (Figure) resulting in a decrease from BL of 886 ng/mL (P=0.0078; LOCF). In patients with labile plasma iron (LPI) at BL, 1.3±2.1 and 1.7±3.1 μmol/L in the prior monotherapy and combination therapy groups, respectively after 1 yr was reduced to 1.1±2.6 and 1.4±2.7 μmol/L (LOCF). Overall, five pts (3.9%) discontinued therapy. Reasons for withdrawal were adverse events (AEs; cardiac failure), abnormal laboratory values (increased transaminases), consent withdrawal, lost to follow-up and protocol violation (all n=1). The most common investigator-assessed drug-related AEs were rash (n=14, 10.9%) and diarrhea (n=12, 9.3%). One pt (0.8%) had serum creatinine >33% above BL and the upper limit of normal (ULN) on two consecutive visits and one pt (0.8%) had increased alanine aminotransferase >10xULN on two consecutive visits; levels were already elevated. Conclusions This heavily transfused subgroup of TM pts, who had received prior chelation therapy with DFO and/or DFP for an average >10 yrs, continued to have high SF levels >4500 ng/mL. Monotherapy with ≥30 mg/kg/day deferasirox for 1 yr led to significant and clinically relevant reductions in SF in these pts irrespective of previous chelation therapies and was well tolerated. Longer-term studies are required to assess whether continued deferasirox could reduce SF <2500 ng/mL to minimize serious complications of iron overload. Disclosures: Taher: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Chan:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Li:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Lin:Taiwan Pediatric Onclogy Group (TPOG): Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Porter:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Vifor International: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sutcharitcharan:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Honoraria. Habr:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Domokos:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Roubert:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Cappellini:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Combination Therapy of Deferasirox and Deferoxamine As Paregoric Treatment of Severe Iron Overload in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 5181-5181
Author(s):  
Vassilis Ladis ◽  
Dimitra Kyriacopoulou ◽  
Konstantinos Stokidis ◽  
Aggeliki Moira ◽  
Antonios Kattamis
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Considerable Problem

Abstract Abstract 5181 Background: Despite the recent availability of multiple therapeutic options for chelation therapy, severe iron overload remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in a small group of patients with thalassemia major (TM). Every effort to induce negative iron balance for these patients is warranted. In this context, combination of deferasirox (DFX) and deferoxamine (DFO) may be of significant value. In this report, we present the paregoric use of DFX and DFO in severely iron overloaded thalassemic patients. Patients and Methods: Five patients (3 Males, 2 females) have been treated with DFX and DFO as a last rescue measure. In these patients previous combined treatment with DFO and DFP had failed. Informed consent and approval for the use of this schema as paregoric therapy was obtained by patients and hospital. The main inclusion criteria for this treatment were: LIC>30 mg/gr d. w. and T2* cardiac <10 msec. Treatment consisted of daily DFX at 30–40 mg/kg/day and DFO at 40–50 mg/kg/day for 3–6 days/week. Results: Patients' characteristics, results and toxicity are shown in table 1 and 2. Improvement in iron load status ranged widely during a follow-up from 1 to 3 yrs. LIC reduced in 4/5 patients, cardiac T2* increased in 3/5 patients, while LVEF showed no significant changes. Ferritin levels improved in 2/5 patients. Deterioration of safety parameters necessitated not to discontinue treatment. Conclusions: These data in the use of combination therapy of DFX and DFO suggest a potential modality of chelation therapy in severely iron overloaded patients. Response was variable and seemed not to be always related to compliance or the duration of treatment. Increase of serum creatinin and AST in all patients is a considerable problem in patients with persistent significant iron overload and already impaired hepatic and renal function, despite having been treated with different schema of iron chelation. Longer and cautious follow-up is needed to come to reliable conclusions. Disclosures: Ladis: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Apopharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Kattamis:Apopharma: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Clinical Effectiveness of Iron Chelation Therapies in Syrian Patients with β Thalassemia Major: Suboptimal Clinical Outcomes and High Prevalence of Iron Overload

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1719-1719
Author(s):  
Youssef A Lama ◽  
Hanan Touma ◽  
Khawla AlKeba ◽  
Osama Maksoud
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Concentration ◽  
Therapeutic Outcomes ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Background Thalassemia is the most prevalent autosomal abnormality in the population of Syria. In 2013, the total number of registered thalassemia patients is 8300. Disease prevalence is reinforced by the high rate of consanguineous marriages especially in the rural regions of this Middle Eastern and Mediterraneancountry. Regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy (ICT) have significantly improved survival and reduced morbidity of patients withβ thalassemia major (BTM). Although ICTs are provided free of charge by the government to all (BTM) patients, adequate monitoring of therapeutic outcomes is lacking, and cardiac complications still represent significant morbidity and remain the leading cause of mortality. Objective This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of poor chelation in Syrian patients with BTM, and assessing the effectiveness of different iron chelation regimens provided by the National Thalassemia Program. Methods We conducted a single-centered study encompassing two phases; i) a retrospective chart review of serum ferritin levels of all female and male patients (≥ 3y) with (BTM) receiving iron chelation regimens (mono- or combination therapy) in 2009 and 2010; and ii) a 15 month prospective observational study to evaluate the effectiveness of desferrioxamine (DFO) monotherapy (at a dose of 40-50 mg/kg given over 8–10 h on 5-7 d/week), versus DFO (at the same dose used for DFO monotherapy) in combination with deferiprone (DFP) (at a dose of 75 mg/kg/day) [DFO+DFP] in patients received prior monotherapy with DFO but had poor response. Endpoints were defined as reducing iron stores in iron overloaded patients and improving cardiac function assessed by left ventricular ejection measurements using Doppler Echocardiogram. Statistical analysis of data sets was performed using Prism Graphpad, version 5. Results A total of 493 records of all patients registered at the National Thalassemia Centre in Homs were evaluated. 280 (56.8%) of these patients were diagnosed with BTM, and 245/280 (87.5%) were receiving iron chelation therapy. The average age was 11.35 ± 5.69 year-old (mean ± SD), age range [3-32 year], and male-to-female sex ratiowas 102:103. 39% of the patients were administered DFO, 30% and 10% received oral deferasirox (DFX) and deferiprone (DFP) respectively, whereas 21% received a combination of [DFO + DFP]. The average ferritin concentration of the study population was 3954.89 ± 1431.37 [range from 1362 to 8656] ug/l in 2009, and 4038.22 ± 1572.49 [range from 1173 to 8210] ug/l in 2010. Strikingly, 98% of patients had iron overload; [15% mild, 35% moderate and 48% severe] in 2009, and [12.3% mild, 42.5% moderate and 45.2% severe] in 2010. Patients on DFX had the lowest ferritin concentrations when compared with these of their peers on the DFO and [DFO + DFP] regimens (P=0.0001 and P=0.02 respectively). Patients of DFX also had the lowest percentage of sever iron overload (31%) in comparison with 58%, 51%, and 40% in patients on DOF, [DFO+DFP], and DFP respectively. In the prospective observational phase of our study, several comparative assessments were conducted. The combination of [DFO+DFP] reduced ferritin concentration by 14% from a mean baseline concentration of 4662.4 ±1266.17 to 3697.1 ±1547.9 (μg/l) after the study 15 month follow up period (P=0.0006), whereas DFO alone was ineffective. Cardiac function decreased by a percentage of (-4.74 ± 12.89) from 68.64%±6.97% to 60.98%±7.22% in patients on DFO (p= 0.0001) and from 67.39%±6.49% to 63.91%±8.51% in patients receiving combination therapy (p= 0.031). Mean decrease was greater in DFO regimen (-10.53 ± 11.89) than that seen in patients on combination therapy (-4.74 ± 12.89) (p= 0.035). Conclusions This study reveals aspects of the current status of ICT outcomes in Syria. Our results prove high prevalence of iron overload in patients with BTM despite their receiving ICTs free of charge. Patients are not achieving target serum ferritin thresholds despite chronic treatment with DFO for iron overload. This may suggest its poor clinical effectiveness within the real-world, and necessitates active measures to improve patients’ compliance. The underlying causes of these suboptimal therapeutic outcomes of all ICT regimens should be further investigated, and the cost-effectiveness of ICTs should be reconsidered by decision makers. 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.

scholarly journals SEVERE LIVER IRON CONCENTRATIONS (LIC) IN 24 PATIENTS WITH Β-THALASSEMIA MAJOR: CORRELATIONS WITH SERUM FERRITIN, LIVER ENZYMES AND ENDOCRINE COMPLICATIONS

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. e2018062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo De Sanctis
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Liver Iron

Abstract. Introduction: Chronic blood transfusion is the mainstay of care for individuals with β-thalassemia major (BTM). However, it causes iron-overload that requires monitoring and management by long-term iron chelation therapy in order to prevent endocrinopathies and cardiomyopathies, that can be fatal. Hepatic R2 MRI method (FerriScan®) has been validated as the gold standard for evaluation and monitoring liver iron concentration (LIC) that reflects the total body iron-overload. Although adequate oral iron chelation therapy (OIC) is promising for the treatment of transfusional iron-overload, some patients are less compliant with it and others suffer from long-term effects of iron overload. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of endocrinopathies and liver dysfunction, in relation to LIC and serum ferritin level, in a selected group of adolescents and young adult BTM patients with severe hepatic iron overload (LIC from 15 to 43 mg Fe/g dry weight). Patients and Methods: Twenty-four selected BTM patients with severe LIC, due to transfusion-related iron-overload, followed at the Hematology Section, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation of Doha (Qatar), from April 2015 to July 2017, were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of short stature, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes, and adrenal insufficiency was defined and assessed according to the International Network of Clinicians for Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia (ICET) and American Diabetes Association criteria. Results: Patients have been transfused over the past 19.75 ± 8.05 years (ranging from 7 to 33 years). The most common transfusion frequency was every 3 weeks (70.8%).  At the time of LIC measurements, the mean age of patients was 21.75 ± 8.05 years, mean LIC was 32.05 ± 10.53 mg Fe/g dry weight (range: 15 to 43 mg Fe/g dry weight). Their mean serum ferritin level was 4,488.6 ± 2,779 µg/L. The overall prevalence of growth failure was 26.1% (6/23), IFG was 16.7% (4/24), sub-clinical hypothyroidism was 14.3% (3/21), hypogonadism was 14.3% (2/14), diabetes mellitus was 12.5% (3/24), and biochemical adrenal insufficiency was 6.7% (1/15). The prevalence of hepatitis C positivity was 20.8% (5/24). No case of clinical hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency or hypoparathyroidism was detected in this cohort of patients. The prevalence of IFG impaired fasting glucose was significantly higher in BTM patients with very high LIC (>30 mg Fe/g dry liver) versus those with lower LIC (p = 0.044). LIC was correlated significantly with serum ferritin levels (r = 0.512; p = 0.011), lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.744; p = 0.022) and total bilirubin (r = 0.432; p = 0.035). Conclusions: A significant number of BTM patients, with high LIC and endocrine disorders, still exist despite the recent developments of new oral iron chelating agents. Therefore, physicians’ strategies shall optimize early identification of those patients in order to optimise their chelation therapy and to avoid iron-induced organ damage. We believe that further studies are needed to evaluate if serial measurements of quantitative LIC may predict the risk for endocrine complications. Until these data are available, we recommend a close monitoring of endocrine and other complications, according to the international guidelines.  

Longitudinal Changes in Iron Overload Parameters and Iron Chelation Therapy in Young Patients with Thalassemia Major,

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3202-3202
Author(s):  
Antonis Kattamis ◽  
Konstantinos Stokidis ◽  
Polyxeni Delaporta ◽  
Kyriakopoulou Dimitra ◽  
Theoni Petropoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Cardiac Siderosis ◽  
Iron Load ◽  
Oral Chelators

Abstract Abstract 3202 Background: New modalities for the assessment of iron overload and the availability of new oral chelators have led to important changes in the iron load status and its treatment for patients with thalassemia major (TM). The goals of this retrospective analysis were to evaluate the changes that occurred in regards to the degree of iron overload, as well as to the therapeutic regimen of iron chelation over the last decade in young patients with TM. Methods: All patients with TM followed in our unit, who were <18 years at certain time points, were included in this study. Group A included all patients who were younger than 18 years old on 1/1/2001, while group B, C, D, E and F on 1/1/2003, 1/1/2005, 1/1/2007, 1/1/2009, and 1/1/2011, respectively. Liver iron concentration (LIC) and cardiac siderosis (T2*) were evaluated by MRI. Cardiac iron concentration (CIC) was calculated based on the recently prescribed formula CIC= 45 × (T2*Heart)−1.22.The closest MRI, which was <12 months from the time point, was recorded for each patient at each group. The therapeutic regimen for iron chelation, being deferoxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP), combination therapy of DFO and DFP (DFO+DFP) and deferasirox (DFX), used at the different time points were also recorded. Results: The results of the analysis are shown in the following table: Ferritin levels did not change significantly over the last decade (p>0.05). There was a trend for decreasing values of LIC (Independent Samples Kruskal-Wallis test, p=0.075) with the mean LIC of group E and F being significantly lower than group C (Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05). Similarly, there was a trend for improvement in the indexes of cardiac iron load. Of note is, that cardiac overload was not documented in this group of patients. None of the patients has significant (T2*<10 msec), and only 3 patients had moderate cardiac siderosis (T2*>10 <20 msec). Conclusions: A steady decrease in the number of young patient with thalassemia has been observed, reflecting the efficacy of the thalassemia prevention program. As expected, the utilization of MRI to evaluate iron overload has increased significantly especially in the second part of the last decade, but it remains limited mainly to older children and teenagers. Oral chelation has become the preferable mode of treatment of hemosiderosis in young patients with TM. While DFX is, currently, the most used iron chelator, the use of DFO is becoming limited as an additive therapy to DFP. Despite presumed better compliance with oral chelation therapy, the iron overload indexes have not improved dramatically. This may reflect the short period of using the oral chelators or/and the need for further treatment intensification. Disclosures: Kattamis: Novartis Oncology: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Apopharma: Honoraria.

Transfusion History, Iron Chelation Practices and Status of Iron Overload across Various Transfusion-Dependent Anemias: Data from the Large- Scale, Prospective, 1-Year EPIC Trial

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3880-3880
Author(s):  
Maria Domenica Cappellini ◽  
Norbert Gattermann ◽  
Vip Viprakasit ◽  
Jong Wook Lee ◽  
John B Porter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Transfusion History

Abstract Background: The prospective, 1-yr multicenter EPIC trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral deferasirox (Exjade®) in more than 1700 patients (pts) with transfusion-dependent anemias. Data were collected from each patient at enrollment, providing an insight into transfusion history, body iron burden, and the nature and success of previous chelation therapy in a large group of pts with iron overload previously treated with chelation therapy. Methods: Enrolled pts were aged ≥2 yrs, had transfusion-dependent anemia and serum ferritin (SF) levels of ≥1000 ng/mL, or <1000 ng/mL with a history of multiple transfusions (>20 transfusions or >100 mL/kg of RBCs) and MRI-assessed liver iron concentration (LIC) >2 mg Fe/g dry weight (dw). Baseline assessments included transfusion history, previous chelation therapy, SF levels and LIC (if carried out) in the previous yr. Results: 1744 pts (901 M, 843 F) were enrolled. Underlying anemias were: thalassemia major (TM; n=937), thalassemia intermedia (TI; n=84), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS; n=341), aplastic anemia (AA; n=116), sickle cell disease (SCD; n=80), rare anemias (red cell aplasia and anemias mostly hemolytic in nature; n=43), Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA; n=14), and various other conditions associated with anemias requiring transfusion (n=129). Baseline characteristics for key underlying anemias are presented in Table 1. Median SF levels were >2500 ng/mL and mean LIC in the previous yr was >7 mg Fe/g dw in all groups (except DBA for SF levels). MDS pts had received the most transfusions in the previous yr, although they had also spent a smaller proportion of their lifetime, and less total time, receiving transfusions than any other cohort. Together with AA pts, the MDS cohort also contained the highest proportion of pts who were chelation-naïve (68% and 48%). SCD pts were the least-transfused group in terms of amount of blood given, but had been receiving transfusions for more than 13 yrs. As expected, TM pts had spent the greatest proportion of their lifetime on transfusions and received the greatest volume of blood per kg in the previous yr. The group labeled by investigators as TI were relatively heavily transfused for this patient population. Table 1. Baseline characteristics for key underlying anemias All (n=1744) TM (n=937) TI (n=84) MDS (n=341) AA (n=116) SCD (n=80) Rare (n=43) DBA (n=14) *Mean ± SD; **Median Age, yrs* 30.6±23.3 18.4±10.8 19.2±14.4 67.9±11.4 33.3±17.1 23.9±13.2 39.5±22.7 17.3±13.2 Transfusions in last yr* 17.8±12.5 17.5±8.8 13.5±7.1 24.3±17.7 12.5±13.0 10.7±8.2 21.0±18.7 19.0±18.7 Total transfused in last yr, mL/kg* 159±136 190±139 155±87 116±123 116±179 84±57 153±142 185±148 Total yrs on transfusions* 12.3±10.4 16.8±10.4 10.2±7.8 3.6±4.6 6.1±5.7 13.0±9.6 10.9±11.8 13.3±10.0 % of lifetime on transfusions* 62.9±39.4 89.8±15.2 61.2±28.8 5.7±8.4 27.1±29.3 59.5±30.1 44.3±41.5 87.5±23.2 LIC in last yr, mg Fe/g dw* 10.7±9.0 9.5±7.8 9.7±5.5 14.4±8.5 12.0±4.3 11.8±8.4 – 8.8±4.2 SF, ng/mL** 3135 3157 3493 2730 3254 3163 3161 2289 Prior chelation, % DFO 58.6 66.7 78.6 40.2 26.7 62.5 55.8 71.4 Deferiprone 1.6 1.3 – 4.1 – 1.3 2.3 – DFO/deferiprone 16.7 25.0 4.8 7.0 5.2 12.5 11.6 14.3 Other 0.3 0.4 – 0.3 – – – – None 23.0 7.0 16.7 48.4 68.1 23.8 30.2 14.3 Conclusions: Data from this study population show that, although most pts with thalassemia, SCD, DBA and rare anemias had received previous chelation therapy, LIC and SF levels were above levels associated with significant negative outcomes (>7 mg Fe/g dw and >2500 ng/mL, respectively), which suggests that previous chelation practices were sub-optimal. Many pts with MDS and AA were chelation-naïve despite being heavily iron overloaded, highlighting that the risks of iron overload are still underestimated. These data highlight the need to carefully monitor iron levels in pts at risk of iron overload and initiate chelation therapy to avoid serious clinical sequelae.

scholarly journals Systemic Heme and Iron Overload Results in Depletion of Serum Hemopexin, Haptoglobin and Transferrin and Correlates with Markers of Endothelial Activation and Lipid Oxidation in Beta Thalassemia Major and Intermedia

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2469-2469
Author(s):  
Francesca Vinchi ◽  
Gregory M Vercellotti ◽  
John D. Belcher ◽  
Eitan Fibach ◽  
Hala Zreid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Endothelial Activation ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Cell Disease

Abstract Beta thalassemia is an inherited hemoglobinopathy due to reduced synthesis of Beta globin chains and, consequently, of hemoglobin A (a2b2). The clinical manifestations are mainly the result of chronic anemia and iron overload. The latter is due to increased iron absorption, induced by accelerated but ineffective erythropoiesis, and recurrent red blood cell transfusions. Alfa-chains and iron excess promote oxidative damage of red blood cell membrane, resulting in macrophage sequestration and extravascular hemolysis, and to a lower extent, in intravascular hemolysis, with consequent release of hemoglobin (Hb), heme and iron. Increasing evidence suggests that free heme exerts vasculotoxic, pro-inflammatory and procoagulant effects due to its ability to trigger endothelial and immune cells activation. In addition, a role for heme and iron has been postulated in the pathogenesis of other vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. In mouse models of Beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease, circulating heme levels are elevated and correlate with the exhaustion of systemic scavengers for hemoglobin and heme, haptoglobin and hemopexin, respectively, as well as with severe endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Hemopexin-based therapies significantly improve endothelial damage, vascular oxidative stress and inflammation in these mice (Vinchi et al., Circulation 2013, Blood 2016; Vercellotti GM. et al., Mol Med 2016). Whereas more data are reported on sickle patients in this regard, few data are available in patients with Beta thalassemia. In the present study, we examined serum samples from a cohort of 60 patients with Beta thalassemia major (age 11.5 ± 6.8, 44% males-56% females, Hb 7.69 ± 1.22 mg/dl, transfused every 3-4 weeks) and 7 patients with Beta thalassemia intermedia (age 14 ± 12 , 70% males-30% females, Hb 8.4 ± 0.74 mg/dl, transfused every 4-5 weeks). 10% of the patients received inconsistent iron chelation therapy. Serum from 10 healthy subjects (age 22.7±15.3, 50% males-50% females, Hb 13.12±1.15 mg/dl) served as control. Both groups of patients show high systemic heme and iron levels, which associate with a severe drop in serum haptoglobin, hemopexin and transferrin. Consistently, transferrin saturation (12.4±2 vs 79.6±24 %) and serum ferritin (55.14 ±0.23 vs 4919.2 ±2657.4 ng/ml) are elevated. Interestingly, these patients present with high systemic levels of the soluble adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1, markers of enhanced endothelial activation. In addition, they show increased levels of serum malondialdehyde, a well-known marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, and high levels of circulating oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL). All parameters significantly correlate with increased systemic heme and iron indices as well as decreased haptoglobin, hemopexin and transferrin levels. In conclusion, Beta thalassemia patients show a strong correlation between systemic heme and iron overload, depletion of the respective scavengers, and markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, thus confirming studies in animal models. These results emphasize the involvement of serum hemoglobin, heme and iron in the pathophysiology of Beta thalassemia, including vascular dysfunction, and the key protective role of their carriers. These findings are relevant for disorders hallmarked by vasculopathy, such as sickle cell disease and Beta thalassemia, as well as cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Our data support the potential therapeutic benefit of the administration of hemoglobin/heme scavengers along with efficient iron chelation therapy to counteract heme- and iron-driven toxicity. (The last three authors equally contributed to the work) ****P<0.0001 Disclosures Vercellotti: CSL-Behring: Research Funding; Imara: Research Funding. Belcher:Cydan/Imara: Research Funding; CSL-Behring: Research Funding.

scholarly journals MRI evaluation of hepatic and cardiac iron burden in pediatric thalassemia major patients: spectrum of findings by T2*

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar M. Shehata ◽  
Mohamed I. Amin ◽  
El Sayed H. Zidan
Keyword(s):  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Good Method ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Local Magnetic Field ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Signal Decay

Abstract Background Iron deposition distorts the local magnetic field exerting T2* signal decay. Biopsy, serum ferritin, echocardiography are not reliable to adjust iron chelation therapy. Quantified MRI signal decay can replace biopsy to diagnose iron burden, guide treatment, and follow up. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of T2* in quantification of the liver and heart iron burden in thalassemia major patients. This cross-sectional study included 44 thalassemia patients who were referred to MRI unit, underwent T2* MRI. Results Twenty-one male (47.7%) and 23 female (52.3%) were included (age range 6–15 years, mean age 10.9 ± 2.9 years). Patients with excess hepatic iron show the following: 11/40 (27.5%) mild, (13/40) 32.5% moderate, and (14/40) 35% severe liver iron overload. High statistical significance regarding association between LIC and liver T2* (p = 0.000) encountered. Cardiac T2* values showed no relationship with age (p = 0.6). Conclusion T2* is a good method to quantify, monitor hepatic and myocardial iron burden, guiding chelation therapy and prevent iron-induced cardiac complications.

scholarly journals Endocrine complications

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo De Sanctis
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Membrane Lipids ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Cellular Iron ◽  
Active Iron ◽  
Bone Changes ◽  
Endocrine Complications

More than five decades ago, thalassemia major (TM) was fatal in the first decade of life. This poor prognosis changed since the survival rates started to increase progressively thanks to the implementation of continuous and significant improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic methods, consisting mainly of an intensive transfusion program combined with chelation therapy and imaging methods. Regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions eliminate the complications of anemia, compensatory bone marrow expansion, bone changes and splenomegaly, restore the physiological growth throughout childhood and extend survival. The most serious disadvantage of life-saving transfusions is the inexorable accumulation of iron within tissues. Iron is physiologically stored intracellularly in the form of ferritin, a protein whose synthesis is induced upon the influx of iron. When the storage capacity of ferritin is exceeded, pathological quantities of metabolically active iron are released intracellularly in the form of hemosiderin and free iron within an expanded labile pool. This metabolically active iron catalyzes the formation of free radicals, which damage membrane lipids and other macromolecules, leading to cell death and eventually organ failure. Other factors contributing to the variability of cellular iron overload are: a) the cell surface transferrin receptors and the capacity of the cells to deploy defence mechanisms against inorganic iron; b) individual susceptibility to iron toxic effect; c) the development of organ(s) damage secondary to persisting severe iron overload in the years preceding iron chelation therapy; and d) liver disorders, chronic hypoxia and associated endocrine complications. Multi-transfused thalassemia major (TM) patients frequently develop severe endocrine complications mainly due to iron overload, anemia, and chronic liver disease, which require prompt diagnosis, treatment and close follow-up by specialists.

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