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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
How I treat transfusional iron overload
Blood, Volume 120, No. 18, Year 2012
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Description
Patients with β-thalassemia major (TM) and other refractory anemias requiring regular blood transfusions accumulate iron that damages the liver, endocrine system, and most importantly the heart. The prognosis in TM has improved remarkably over the past 10 years. This improvement has resulted from the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, especially T2*, to accurately measure cardiac and liver iron, and from the availability of 3 iron-chelating drugs. In this article we describe the use of MRI to determine which adult and pediatric patients need to begin iron chelation therapy and to monitor their progress.We summarize the properties of each of the 3 drugs, deferoxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP), and deferasirox (DFX), including their efficacy, patient acceptability, and side effects. We describe when to initiate or intensify therapy, switch to another drug, or use combined therapy. We also discuss the management of refractory anemias other than TM that may require multiple blood transfusions, including sickle cell anemia and myelodysplasia. The development of a potential fourth chelator FBS 0701 and the combined use of oral chelators may further improve the quality of life and survival in patients with TM and other transfusion-dependent patients. © 2012 by The American Society of Hematology.
Authors & Co-Authors
Hoffbrand, Allan Victor
United Kingdom, London
Ucl Cancer Institute
Taher, Ali T.
Lebanon, Beirut
American University of Beirut
Cappellini, Maria Teresa
Italy, Milan
Università Degli Studi Di Milano
Statistics
Citations: 180
Authors: 3
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1182/blood-2012-05-370098
ISSN:
00064971
Research Areas
Disability
Health System And Policy
Noncommunicable Diseases