1.
Iron chelation therapy in thalassemia major: A systematic review with meta-analyses of 1520 patients included on randomized clinical trials
Maggio A, Filosa A, Vitrano A, Aloj G, Kattamis A, Ceci A, Fucharoen S, Cianciulli P, Grady RW, Prossomariti L, et al
Blood Cells, Molecules & Diseases. 2011;47((3):):166-75.
Abstract
The effectiveness of deferoxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP), or deferasirox (DFX) in thalassemia major was assessed. Outcomes were reported as means+/-SD, mean differences with 95% CI, or standardized mean differences. Statistical heterogeneity was tested using chi(2) (Q) and I(2). Sources of bias and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE) were considered. Overall, 1520 patients were included. Only 7.4% of trials were free of bias. Overall measurements suggest low trial quality (GRADE). The meta-analysis suggests lower final liver iron concentrations during associated versus monotherapy treatment (p<0.0001), increases in serum ferritin levels during DFX 5, 10, and 20mg/kg versus DFO-treated groups (p<0.00001, p<0.00001, and p=0.002, respectively), but no statistically significant difference during DFX 30mg/kg versus DFO (p=0.70), no statistically significant variations in heart T2* signal during associated or sequential versus mono-therapy treatment (p=0.46 and p=0.14, respectively), increases in urinary iron excretion during associated or sequential versus monotherapy treatment (p=0.008 and p=0.02, respectively), and improved ejection fraction during associated or sequential versus monotherapy treatment (p=0.01 and p<0.00001, respectively). These findings do not support any specific chelation treatment. The literature shows risks of bias, and additional larger and longer trials are needed. Copyright Copyright 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
2.
Chelation treatment in sickle-cell-anaemia: Much ado about nothing?
Lucania G, Vitrano A, Filosa A, Maggio A
British Journal of Haematology. 2011;154((5):):545-555.
Abstract
Blood transfusions may prevent and treat serious complications related to sickle-cell disease (SCD) when performed according to specific guidelines. However, blood transfusion requirements in SCD inevitably lead to increased body iron burden. An adequate chelation treatment may prevent complications and reduce morbidity and mortality. This review evaluates the effectiveness, safety and costs of chelation treatment. The included trials were examined according to the recommendations of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Overall, 14 trials and a total of 502 patients with SCD were included in this review. Deferoxamine alone (s.c. or i.v.), deferiprone alone or versus deferoxamine, deferasirox versus deferoxamine and combined treatment with deferoxamine plus deferiprone were included and evaluated in the analysis. Only two randomized clinical trials have been reported. The results of this analysis suggest that use of chelation treatment in SCD to date has been based on little efficacy and safety evidence, although it is widely recommended and practised. The cost/benefit ratio has not been fully explored. Further research with larger randomized clinical trials needs to be performed.