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Musallam KM, Sheth S, Cappellini MD, Forni GL, Maggio A, Taher AT. Anemia and iron overload as prognostic markers of outcomes in β-thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:631-642. [PMID: 39037857 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2383420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ineffective erythropoiesis and subsequent anemia as well as primary and secondary (transfusional) iron overload are key drivers for morbidity and mortality outcomes in patients with β-thalassemia. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight evidence from observational studies evaluating the association between measures of anemia and iron overload versus outcomes in both non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent forms of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Several prognostic thresholds have been identified with implications for patient management. These have also formed the basis for the design of novel therapy clinical trials by informing eligibility and target endpoints. Still, several data gaps persist in view of the challenge of assessing prospective long-term outcomes in a chronic disease. Pooling insights on the prognostic value of different measures of disease mechanism will be key to design future scoring systems that can help optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco and Piera Cutino, AOOR Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Meloni A, Pistoia L, Ricchi P, Longo F, Cecinati V, Sorrentino F, Cuccia L, Corigliano E, Rossi V, Righi R, Fina P, Renne S, Barbuto L, Positano V, Cademartiri F. Multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with thalassemia intermedia: new insights from the E-MIOT network. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:879-889. [PMID: 38683500 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01821-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a relatively large cohort of thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients, we systematically investigated myocardial iron overload (MIO), function, and replacement fibrosis using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), we assessed the clinical determinants of global heart T2* values, and we explored the association between multiparametric CMR findings and cardiac complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS We considered 254 beta-TI patients (43.14 ± 13.69 years, 138 females) consecutively enrolled in the Extension-Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project. MIO was quantified by T2* technique and biventricular function and atrial areas by cine images. Macroscopic myocardial fibrosis was detected by late gadolinium enhancement technique. RESULTS Compared to never/sporadically transfused patients, regularly transfused (RT)-TI patients exhibited significantly lower global heart T2* values, biventricular end-diastolic volume indexes, left ventricular mass index, and cardiac index. In RT-TI patients, age and serum ferritin levels were the strongest predictors of global heart T2* values. Independently from the transfusional state, cardiac T2* values were not associated with biventricular function. Of the 103 (40.6%) patients in whom the contrast medium was administrated, 27 (26.2%) had replacement myocardial fibrosis. Age, sex distribution, cardiac iron, and biventricular function parameters were comparable between patients without and without replacement myocardial fibrosis. Twenty-five (9.8%) patients had a history of cardiac complications (heart failure and arrhythmias). Increased age and replacement myocardial fibrosis emerged as significant risk markers for cardiac complications. CONCLUSIONS In TI, regular transfusions are associated with less pronounced cardiac remodeling but increase the risk of MIO. Replacement myocardial fibrosis is a frequent finding associated with cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ricchi
- U.O.S.D. Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Unità Operativa Day Hospital Della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria ''S. Anna'', Cona, FE, Italy
| | - Valerio Cecinati
- Struttura Semplice di Microcitemia, Ospedale "SS. Annunziata" ASL Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Liana Cuccia
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Radiologia, ''ARNAS'' Civico, Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica, Ospedale del Delta, Lagosanto, FE, Italy
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale ''Sandro Pertini'', Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Luigi Barbuto
- U.O.C. Radiologia Generale e di Pronto Soccorso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Meloni A, Pistoia L, Ricchi P, Bagnato S, Longo F, Messina G, Bagnato S, Rossi V, Renne S, Righi R, Fina P, Positano V, Cademartiri F. Impact of genotype on multi-organ iron and complications in patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia intermedia. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1887-1896. [PMID: 38581547 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05741-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of the genotype on clinical and hematochemical features, hepatic and cardiac iron levels, and endocrine, hepatic, and cardiovascular complications in non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) β-thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients. Sixty patients (39.09 ± 11.11 years, 29 females) consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging to quantify iron overload, biventricular function parameters, and atrial areas and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. Three groups of patients were identified: homozygous β+ (N = 18), heterozygous β0β+ (N = 22), and homozygous β0 (N = 20). The groups were homogeneous for sex, age, splenectomy, hematochemical parameters, chelation therapy, and iron levels. The homozygous β° genotype was associated with significantly higher biventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes and bi-atrial area indexes. No difference was detected in biventricular ejection fractions or myocardial fibrosis. Extramedullary hematopoiesis and leg ulcers were significantly more frequent in the homozygous β° group compared to the homozygous β+ group. No association was detected between genotype and liver cirrhosis, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. Heart remodelling related to a high cardiac output state cardiomyopathy, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and leg ulcers were more pronounced in patients with the homozygous β° genotype compared to the other genotypes analyzed. The knowledge of the genotype can assist in the clinical management of NTD β-TI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ricchi
- U.O.S.D. Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Bagnato
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio - ASP Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Unità Operativa Day Hospital Della Talassemia E Delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "S. Anna", Cona, FE, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bagnato
- U.O.S. Di Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero Lentini - ASP 8 Siracusa, Lentini, SR, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa Di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica Per Immagini E Radiologia Interventistica, Ospedale del Delta, Lagosanto, FE, Italy
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica Per Immagini, Ospedale "Sandro Pertini", Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Feng Q, Yi J, Li T, Liang B, Xu F, Peng P. Narrative review of magnetic resonance imaging in quantifying liver iron load. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1321513. [PMID: 38362538 PMCID: PMC10867177 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1321513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To summarize the research progress of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in quantifying liver iron load. Methods To summarize the current status and progress of MRI technology in the quantitative study of liver iron load through reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad. Results Different MRI sequence examination techniques have formed a series of non-invasive methods for the examination of liver iron load. These techniques have important clinical significance in the imaging diagnosis of liver iron load. So far, the main MRI methods used to assess liver iron load are: signal intensity measurement method (signal intensity, SI) [signal intensity ratio (SIR) and difference in in-phase and out-of-phase signal intensity], T2/R2 measurement (such as FerriScan technique), ultra-short echo time (UTE) imaging technique, and susceptibility weighted imaging (including conventional susceptibility weighted imaging) (SWI), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), T2*/R2* measurement, Dixon and its derivative techniques. Conclusion MRI has become the first choice for the non-invasive examination of liver iron overload, and it is helpful to improve the early detection of liver injury, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by liver iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Feng
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Jixing Yi
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Bumin Liang
- School of International Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fengming Xu
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, Liuzhou, China
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Xu F, Li D, Tang C, Liang B, Guan K, Liu R, Peng P. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the changes of cardiac and hepatic iron load in thalassemia patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19652. [PMID: 37950037 PMCID: PMC10638442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the value of T2* technique on 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating the changes of cardiac and hepatic iron load before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with thalassemia (TM), the 141 TM patients were divided into 6 group for subgroup analysis: 6, 12, 18, 24 and > 24 months group, according to the postoperative interval. The T2* values of heart and liver (H-T2*, L-T2*) were quantified in TM patients before and after HSCT using 3.0 T MRI T2* technology, and the corresponding serum ferritin (SF) was collected at the same time, and the changes of the three before and after HSCT were compared. The overall H-T2* (P = 0.001) and L-T2* (P = 0.041) of patients after HSCT were higher than those before HSCT (mean relative changes = 19.63%, 7.19%). The H-T2* (P < 0.001) and L-T2* (P < 0.001) > 24 months after HSCT were significantly higher than those before HSCT (mean relative changes = 69.19%, 93.73%). The SF of 6 months (P < 0.001), 12 months (P = 0.008), 18 months (P = 0.002) and > 24 months (P = 0.001) were significantly higher than those before HSCT (mean relative changes = 57.93%, 73.84%, 128.51%, 85.47%). There was no significant improvement in cardiac and liver iron content in TM patients within 24 months after HSCT, while the reduction of cardiac and liver iron content in patients is obvious when > 24 months after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengming Xu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Medicine (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Bumin Liang
- School of International Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiming Guan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Liu
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Medicine (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Meloni A, Parravano M, Pistoia L, Cossu A, Grassedonio E, Renne S, Fina P, Spasiano A, Salvo A, Bagnato S, Gerardi C, Borsellino Z, Cademartiri F, Positano V. Phenotypic Clustering of Beta-Thalassemia Intermedia Patients Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6706. [PMID: 37959172 PMCID: PMC10647397 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We employed an unsupervised clustering method that integrated demographic, clinical, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data to identify distinct phenogroups (PGs) of patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). We considered 138 β-TI patients consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (MIOT) Network who underwent MR for the quantification of hepatic and cardiac iron overload (T2* technique), the assessment of biventricular size and function and atrial dimensions (cine images), and the detection of replacement myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement technique). Three mutually exclusive phenogroups were identified based on unsupervised hierarchical clustering of principal components: PG1, women; PG2, patients with replacement myocardial fibrosis, increased biventricular volumes and masses, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction; and PG3, men without replacement myocardial fibrosis, but with increased biventricular volumes and masses and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The hematochemical parameters and the hepatic and cardiac iron levels did not contribute to the PG definition. PG2 exhibited a significantly higher risk of future cardiovascular events (heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension) than PG1 (hazard ratio-HR = 10.5; p = 0.027) and PG3 (HR = 9.0; p = 0.038). Clustering emerged as a useful tool for risk stratification in TI, enabling the identification of three phenogroups with distinct clinical and prognostic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
| | - Michela Parravano
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56122 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Unità Operativa Radiologia Universitaria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “S. Anna”, 44124 Cona, FE, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Grassedonio
- Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche, Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, PA, Italy;
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II”, 88046 Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy;
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale “Sandro Pertini”, 00157 Roma, RM, Italy;
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale “A. Cardarelli”, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Salvo
- Unità Operativa Semplice Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero “Umberto I”, 96100 Siracusa, SR, Italy;
| | - Sergio Bagnato
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio—ASP Crotone, 88900 Crotone, KR, Italy;
| | - Calogera Gerardi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale di Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II”—Distretto AG2 di Sciacca, 92019 Sciacca, AG, Italy;
| | - Zelia Borsellino
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia con Talassemia, ARNAS Civico “Benfratelli-Di Cristina”, 90134 Palermo, PA, Italy;
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56122 Pisa, PI, Italy
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Ibrahim AS, Abd El-Fatah AH, Abd El-Halim AF, Mohamed FF. Serum Ferritin Levels and Other Associated Parameters with Diabetes Mellitus in Adult Patients Suffering from Beta Thalassemia Major. J Blood Med 2023; 14:67-81. [PMID: 36785546 PMCID: PMC9921443 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s390666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although beta thalassemia major (BTM) patients are properly treated with blood transfusions in accompany with iron chelation therapy, they suffer from complications, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Purpose The purpose was to detect the critical serum ferritin level and other parameters correlated with DM among adult BTM patients. Also, it was to study whether each of these parameters is associated with a certain period of age. Patients and Methods This study included 200 adult BTM patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients clinical and laboratory variables, such as ferritin levels, and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were extracted from medical records at Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Liver and cardiac iron contents were assessed using MRI T2* methods. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V26.0 software package. Results The overall frequency of DM over the total sample equals 6.5%. There were no impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in the medical records. Statistical significance between serum ferritin and DM was (P = 0.014). The serum ferritin 2500 ng/mL with age group (27-<32) years-old were risk factors. The distributions of DM according to BMI were (3.5%) of class overweight. Significant association between DM and BMI was (r = 0.357, P < 0.001). Liver MRI T2* has significant correlation with serum ferritin, but cardiac MRI T2* was poorly correlated. Association between liver and cardiac MRI T2* was not found. Conclusion Age group (27-<32) years-old and ferritin >2500 ng/mL should be properly treated immediately. The serum ferritin and BMI of class "overweight" were risk factors for DM. Factors such as diet should be followed. Serum ferritin can be used for estimating liver iron content for economic factors. But cardiac MRI T2* must be performed for evaluating cardiac iron accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Saleh Ibrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt,Correspondence: Ahmed Saleh Ibrahim, Tel +20 109 232 6689, Email
| | | | | | - Farid Fawzy Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Darvishi-Khezri H, Aliasgharian A, Naderisorki M, Kosaryan M, Ghazaiean M, Fallah H, Zahedi M, Karami H. Ferritin thresholds for cardiac and liver hemosiderosis in β-thalassemia patients: a diagnostic accuracy study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17996. [PMID: 36289264 PMCID: PMC9606378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferritin is frequently used to screen some dire consequences of iron overload in β-thalassemia patients. The study aimed to define the best cutoff point of ferritin to screen for cardiac and liver hemosiderosis in these cases. This was a registry-based study on β-thalassemia patients living throughout Mazandaran province, Iran (n = 1959). In this diagnostic research, the index test was ferritin levels measured by a chemiluminescent immunoassay. As a reference test, T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2*-weighted MRI) was applied to determine cardiac and liver hemosiderosis. A cutoff point of 2027 ng/mL for ferritin showed a sensitivity of 50%, specificity 77.4%, PPV 42.1%, and NPV 82.5% for cardiac hemosiderosis (area under curve [AUC] 0.66, 95% CI 0.60-0.71, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.05, 95% CI 1.05-4.01). At an optimum cutoff point of 1090 ng/mL, sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 68%, PPV 82.9%, and NPV 46.8% for liver hemosiderosis were estimated (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.63-0.73, adjusted OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.02-7.64. The likelihood of cardiac hemosiderosis serum ferritin levels below 2027 ng/mL is 17.5%. Moreover, 82.9% of β-thalassemia patients with serum ferritin levels above 1090 ng/mL may suffer from liver hemosiderosis, regardless of the grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Darvishi-Khezri
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Thalassemia Research Center (TRC), Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Aily Aliasgharian
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Thalassemia Research Center (TRC), Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Naderisorki
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Thalassemia Research Center (TRC), Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehrnoush Kosaryan
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Thalassemia Research Center (TRC), Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mobin Ghazaiean
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hanie Fallah
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Thalassemia Research Center (TRC), Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zahedi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Karami
- grid.411623.30000 0001 2227 0923Thalassemia Research Center (TRC), Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Lee YC, Yen CT, Lee YL, Chen RJ. Thalassemia Intermedia: Chelator or Not? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710189. [PMID: 36077584 PMCID: PMC9456380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is the most common genetic disorder worldwide. Thalassemia intermedia (TI) is non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT), which includes β-TI hemoglobin, E/β-thalassemia and hemoglobin H (HbH) disease. Due to the availability of iron chelation therapy, the life expectancy of thalassemia major (TM) patients is now close to that of TI patients. Iron overload is noted in TI due to the increasing iron absorption from the intestine. Questions are raised regarding the relationship between iron chelation therapy and decreased patient morbidity/mortality, as well as the starting threshold for chelation therapy. Searching all the available articles up to 12 August 2022, iron-chelation-related TI was reviewed. In addition to splenectomized patients, osteoporosis was the most common morbidity among TI cases. Most study designs related to ferritin level and morbidities were cross-sectional and most were from the same Italian study groups. Intervention studies of iron chelation therapy included a subgroup of TI that required regular transfusion. Liver iron concentration (LIC) ≥ 5 mg/g/dw measured by MRI and ferritin level > 300 ng/mL were suggested as indicators to start iron chelation therapy, and iron chelation therapy was suggested to be stopped at a ferritin level ≤ 300 ng/mL. No studies showed improved overall survival rates by iron chelation therapy. TI morbidities and mortalities cannot be explained by iron overload alone. Hypoxemia and hemolysis may play a role. Head-to-head studies comparing different treatment methods, including hydroxyurea, fetal hemoglobin-inducing agents, hypertransfusion as well as iron chelation therapy are needed for TI, hopefully separating β-TI and HbH disease. In addition, the target hemoglobin level should be determined for β-TI and HbH disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chien Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan 70043, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-C.L.); (R.-J.C.)
| | - Chi-Tai Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan 70043, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan 70043, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Jane Chen
- Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-C.L.); (R.-J.C.)
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The Link of Pancreatic Iron with Glucose Metabolism and Cardiac Iron in Thalassemia Intermedia: A Large, Multicenter Observational Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235561. [PMID: 34884261 PMCID: PMC8658115 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In thalassemia major, pancreatic iron was demonstrated as a powerful predictor not only for the alterations of glucose metabolism but also for cardiac iron, fibrosis, and complications, supporting a profound link between pancreatic iron and heart disease. We determined for the first time the prevalence of pancreatic iron overload (IO) in thalassemia intermedia (TI) and systematically explored the link between pancreas T2* values and glucose metabolism and cardiac outcomes. We considered 221 beta-TI patients (53.2% females, 42.95 ± 13.74 years) consecutively enrolled in the Extension–Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to quantify IO (T2* technique) and biventricular function and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. The glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Pancreatic IO was more frequent in regularly transfused (N = 145) than in nontransfused patients (67.6% vs. 31.6%; p < 0.0001). In the regular transfused group, splenectomy and hepatitis C virus infection were both associated with high pancreatic siderosis. Patients with normal glucose metabolism showed significantly higher global pancreas T2* values than patients with altered OGTT. A pancreas T2* < 17.9 ms predicted an abnormal OGTT. A normal pancreas T2* value showed a 100% negative predictive value for cardiac iron. Pancreas T2* values were not associated to biventricular function, replacement myocardial fibrosis, or cardiac complications. Our findings suggest that in the presence of pancreatic IO, it would be prudent to initiate or intensify iron chelation therapy to prospectively prevent both disturbances of glucose metabolism and cardiac iron accumulation.
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Hepatic and cardiac iron load as determined by MRI T2* in patients with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I. Ann Hematol 2020; 99:2507-2512. [PMID: 32918595 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Iron overload comprises one of the main complications of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I (CDA-I). When analyzing magnetic resonance imaging T2* (MRI T2*) results in CDA patients, two previous studies reported discordant results regarding iron load in these patients. To further understand iron loading pattern in this group of patients, we analyzed MRI T2* findings in 46 CDA-I patients. Mild to moderate hepatic iron overload was detected in 28/46 (60.8%) patients. A significant correlation was found between serum ferritin and liver iron concentration (LIC). A significant correlation (p value = 0.02) was also found between the patient's age and LIC, reflecting increased iron loading over time, even in the absence of transfusion therapy. Notably, no cardiac iron overload was detected in any patient. Transfusion-naive patients had better LIC and better cardiac T2* values. These results demonstrate that a high percentage of CDA-I patients have liver iron concentration above the normal values, risking them with significant morbidity and mortality, and emphasize the importance of periodic MRI T2* studies for direct assessment of tissue iron concentration in these patients, taking age and transfusional burden into consideration.
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Ricchi P, Meloni A, Pistoia L, Spasiano A, Rita Gamberini M, Maggio A, Gerardi C, Messina G, Campisi S, Allò M, Renne S, Righi R, Midiri M, Positano V, Filosa A, Pepe A. Longitudinal follow‐up of patients with thalassaemia intermedia who started transfusion therapy in adulthood: a cohort study. Br J Haematol 2020; 191:107-114. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ricchi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale ‘A. Cardarelli’ Napoli Italy
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale ‘A. Cardarelli’ Napoli Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Dipartimento della Riproduzione e dell’Accrescimento Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria Arcispedale ‘S. Anna’ Ferrara Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Ematologia II con Talassemia Ospedale ‘V. Cervello’ Palermo Italy
| | - Calogera Gerardi
- Unità Operativa Semplice di Talassemia Presidio Ospedaliero ‘Giovanni Paolo II’ – Distretto AG2 di Sciacca Sciacca Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie Azienda Ospedaliera ‘Bianchi‐Melacrino‐Morelli’ Reggio Calabria Italy
| | - Saveria Campisi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Talassemia Presidio Ospedaliero ‘Umberto I’ Siracusa Italy
| | - Massimo Allò
- Ematologia Microcitemia Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio ASP Crotone Crotone Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia‐UTIC Presidio Ospedaliero ‘Giovanni Paolo II’ Lamezia Terme Italy
| | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica Ospedale del Delta Lagosanto Italy
| | - Massimo Midiri
- Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche – Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche Policlinico ‘Paolo Giaccone’ Palermo Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
| | - Aldo Filosa
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale ‘A. Cardarelli’ Napoli Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
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The planimetric Grothoff's criteria by cardiac magnetic resonance can improve the specificity of left ventricular non-compaction diagnosis in thalassemia intermedia. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 36:1105-1112. [PMID: 32086653 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-01797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We differentiated the left ventricle non-compaction (LVNC) from hypertrabeculated myocardium due to a negative remodeling in thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients applying linear and planimetric criteria and comparing the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings. CMR images were analyzed in 181 TI patients enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network and 27 patients with proved LVNC diagnosis. The CMR diagnostic criteria applied in TI patients were: a modified linear CMR Petersen's criterion based on a more restrictive ratio of diastolic NC/C > 2.5 at segmental level and the combination of planimetric Grothoff's criteria (percentage of trabeculated LV myocardial mass LV-MM ≥ 25% of global LV mass and total LV-MMI NC ≥ 15 g/m2). Seventeen TI patients showed at least one positive NC/C segment. Compared to LVNC patients, these patients showed a lower frequency of segments with non-compaction areas (2.41 ± 1.33 vs 5.48 ± 2.26; P < 0.0001), significantly lower LV-MM NC percentage (10.99 ± 4.09 vs 28.20 ± 4.27%; P < 0.0001), LV-MMI (7.58 ± 4.86 vs 19.88 ± 5.02 g/m2; P < 0.0001) and extension of macroscopic fibrosis (0.44 ± 0.18 vs 4.65 ± 2.89; P = 0.004), and significantly higher LV ejection fraction (61.29 ± 5.17 vs 48.50 ± 17.55%; P = 0.016) and cardiac index (4.80 ± 1.49 vs 3.46 ± 1.11 l/min/m2; P = 0.002). No TI patient fulfilled the Grothoff's criteria. All TI patients with an NC/C ratio > 2.5 showed morphological and functional CMR parameters significantly different from the patients with a proved diagnosis of LVNC. Differentiation of LVNC from hypertrabeculated LV in β-TI patients due to a negative heart remodeling depends on the selected CMR criterion. We suggest using planimetric Grothoff's criteria to improve the specificity of LVNC diagnosis.
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Ngim CF, Lee MY, Othman N, Lim SM, Ng CS, Ramadas A. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cardiac and Liver Iron Overload in Adults with Thalassemia in Malaysia. Hemoglobin 2019; 43:95-100. [PMID: 31179787 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2019.1599906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We explored the severity and risk factors for cardiac and liver iron overload (IOL) in 69 thalassemia patients who underwent T2* magnetic resonance imaging (T2* MRI) in a Malaysian tertiary hospital from 2011 to 2015. Fifty-three patients (76.8%) had transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and 16 (23.2%) had non transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Median serum ferritin prior to T2* MRI was 3848.0 μg/L (TDT) and 3971.0 μg/L (NTDT). Cardiac IOL was present in 16 (30.2%) TDT patients and two (12.5%) NTDT patients, in whom severe cardiac IOL defined as T2* <10 ms affected six (11.3%) TDT patients. Liver IOL was present in 51 (96.2%) TDT and 16 (100%) NTDT patients, 37 (69.8%) TDT and 13 (81.3%) NTDT patients were in the most severe category (>15 mgFe/gm dry weight). Serum ferritin showed a significantly strong negative correlation with liver T2* in both TDT (rs = -0.507, p = 0.001) and NTDT (r = -0.762, p = 0.002) but no correlation to cardiac T2* in TDT (r = -0.252, p = 0.099) as well as NTDT (r = -0.457, p = 0.100). For the TDT group, regression analysis showed that cardiac IOL was more severe in males (p = 0.022) and liver IOL was more severe in the Malay ethnic group (p = 0.028) and those with higher serum ferritin levels (p = 0.030). The high prevalence of IOL in our study and the poor correlation between serum ferritin and cardiac T2* underline the need to routinely screen thalassemia patients using T2* MRI to enable the early detection of cardiac IOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin F Ngim
- a Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Monash University Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Malaysia
| | - Mei Y Lee
- a Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Monash University Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Malaysia
| | - Norliza Othman
- b Department of Radiology , Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru , Johor Bahru , Malaysia
| | - Soo M Lim
- c Haematology Unit, Department of Medicine , Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru , Johor Bahru , Malaysia
| | - Chen S Ng
- d Department of Nuclear Medicine , Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru , Johor Bahru , Malaysia
| | - Amutha Ramadas
- a Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Monash University Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Malaysia
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15
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The value of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of myocardial and liver iron overload in a thalassaemia endemic population: a report from Northeastern Thailand. Pol J Radiol 2019; 84:e262-e268. [PMID: 31481999 PMCID: PMC6717950 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2019.86094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with chronic haemolytic anaemia, such as in thalassaemia, require repeated blood transfusions, which leads to iron overload and cellular damage, especially in the heart and liver. Classically, serum ferritin and liver biopsy have been used to monitor patient response to chelation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven to be effective in detecting and quantifying iron in the heart and liver. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the accuracy of the MRI T2* procedure in the assessment of liver iron concentration and myocardial iron overload. Material and methods In 210 cases of monthly transfused patients, hepatic and myocardial iron overload was measured by multi-breath-hold MRI T2* and compared to serum ferritin (a traditional marker of iron overload). Results No significant correlation was observed between serum ferritin level and cardiac T2* MRI (p = 0.68, r = 0.06). However, a significant correlation was observed between serum ferritin and liver iron concentration evaluated by MRI (p = 0.04, r = 0.68). Conclusion Routine evaluation of liver and heart iron content using MRI T2* is suggested to better evaluate the haemosiderosis status in thalassaemic patients.
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16
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Abstract
The relationship between blood transfusion intensity, chelatable iron pools, and extrahepatic iron distribution is described in thalassemia. Risk factors for cardiosiderosis are discussed with particular reference to the balance of transfusional iron loading rate and transferrin-iron utilization rate as marked by plasma levels of soluble transferrin receptors. Low transfusion regimens increase residual erythropoiesis allowing for apotransferrin-dependent clearance of non-transferrin-bound iron species otherwise destined for myocardium. The impact of transfusion rates on chelation dosing required for iron balance is also shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Porter
- Haematology Department, University College London, UCLH and Whittington Hospitals, UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Maciej W Garbowski
- Haematology Department, University College London, Cancer Institute, UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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17
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Voskaridou E, Kattamis A, Fragodimitri C, Kourakli A, Chalkia P, Diamantidis M, Vlachaki E, Drosou M, Lafioniatis S, Maragkos K, Petropoulou F, Eftihiadis E, Economou M, Klironomos E, Koutsouka F, Nestora K, Tzoumari I, Papageorgiou O, Basileiadi A, Lafiatis I, Dimitriadou E, Kalpaka A, Kalkana C, Xanthopoulidis G, Adamopoulos I, Kaiafas P, Mpitzioni A, Goula A, Kontonis I, Alepi C, Anastasiadis A, Papadopoulou M, Maili P, Dionisopoulou D, Tsirka A, Makis A, Kostaridou S, Politou M, Papassotiriou I. National registry of hemoglobinopathies in Greece: updated demographics, current trends in affected births, and causes of mortality. Ann Hematol 2018; 98:55-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3493-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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The effect of desferrioxamine chelation versus no therapy in patients with non transfusion-dependent thalassaemia: a multicenter prospective comparison from the MIOT network. Ann Hematol 2018; 97:1925-1932. [PMID: 29926157 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We prospectively assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the advantages of desferrioxamine (DFO) with respect to the absence of chelation therapy in non transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) patients. We considered 18 patients non-chelated and 33 patients who received DFO alone between the two MRI scans. Iron overload was assessed by the T2* technique. Biventricular function parameters were quantified by cine sequences. No patient treated with DFO had cardiac iron. At baseline, only one non-chelated patient showed a pathological heart T2* value (< 20 ms) and he recovered at the follow-up. The percentage of patients who maintained a normal heart T2* value was 100% in both groups. A significant increase in the right ventricular ejection fraction was detected in DFO patients (3.48 ± 7.22%; P = 0.024). The changes in cardiac T2* values and in the biventricular function were comparable between the two groups. In patients with hepatic iron at baseline (MRI liver iron concentration (LIC) ≥ 3 mg/g/dw), the reduction in MRI LIC values was significant only in the DFO group (- 2.20 ± 4.84 mg/g/dw; P = 0.050). The decrease in MRI LIC was comparable between the groups. In conclusion, in NTDT patients, DFO therapy showed no advantage in terms of cardiac iron but its administration allowed an improvement in right ventricular function. Moreover, DFO reduced hepatic iron in patients with significant iron burden at baseline.
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Asadov C, Alimirzoeva Z, Mammadova T, Aliyeva G, Gafarova S, Mammadov J. β-Thalassemia intermedia: a comprehensive overview and novel approaches. Int J Hematol 2018; 108:5-21. [PMID: 29380178 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-018-2411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia intermedia is a clinical condition of intermediate gravity between β-thalassemia minor, the asymptomatic carrier, and β-thalassemia major, the transfusion-dependent severe anemia. It is characterized by a significant clinical polymorphism, which is attributable to its genetic heterogeneity. Ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic anemia, and iron overload contribute to the clinical complications of thalassemia intermedia through stepwise pathophysiological mechanisms. These complications, including splenomegaly, extramedullary erythropoiesis, iron accumulation, leg ulcers, thrombophilia, and bone abnormalities can be managed via fetal hemoglobin induction, occasional transfusions, chelation, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation. Given its clinical diversity, thalassemia intermedia patients require tailored approaches to therapy. Here we present an overview and novel approaches to the genetic basis, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical complications, and optimal management of thalassemia intermedia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chingiz Asadov
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan.
| | - Zohra Alimirzoeva
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Tahira Mammadova
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Gunay Aliyeva
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Shahla Gafarova
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Jeyhun Mammadov
- Thalassemia Centre, Fataly Khan Khoysky Str. 128, AZ1072, Baku, Azerbaijan
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Abstract
Inherited haemoglobin disorders, including thalassaemia and sickle-cell disease, are the most common monogenic diseases worldwide. Several clinical forms of α-thalassaemia and β-thalassaemia, including the co-inheritance of β-thalassaemia with haemoglobin E resulting in haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia, have been described. The disease hallmarks include imbalance in the α/β-globin chain ratio, ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic haemolytic anaemia, compensatory haemopoietic expansion, hypercoagulability, and increased intestinal iron absorption. The complications of iron overload, arising from transfusions that represent the basis of disease management in most patients with severe thalassaemia, might further complicate the clinical phenotype. These pathophysiological mechanisms lead to an array of clinical manifestations involving numerous organ systems. Conventional management primarily relies on transfusion and iron-chelation therapy, as well as splenectomy in specific cases. An increased understanding of the molecular and pathogenic factors that govern the disease process have suggested routes for the development of new therapeutic approaches that address the underlying chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron dysregulation, with several agents being evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - David J Weatherall
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca'Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Sleiman J, Tarhini A, Bou-Fakhredin R, Saliba AN, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: An Update on Complications and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E182. [PMID: 29316681 PMCID: PMC5796131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) experience many clinical complications despite their independence from frequent transfusions. Morbidities in NTDT stem from the interaction of multiple pathophysiological factors: ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload (IOL), and hypercoagulability. Ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis are associated with chronic hypoxia and a hypercoagulable state. The latter are linked to a high prevalence of thromboembolic and cerebrovascular events, as well as leg ulcers and pulmonary hypertension. IOL in NTDT patients is a cumulative process that can lead to several iron-related morbidities in the liver (liver fibrosis), kidneys, endocrine glands (endocrinopathies), and vascular system (vascular disease). This review sheds light on the pathophysiology underlying morbidities associated with NTDT and summarizes the mainstays of treatment and some of the possible future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sleiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Ali Tarhini
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Antoine N Saliba
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Medicine, Ca'Granda Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Science and Community, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
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22
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Krittayaphong R, Viprakasit V, Saiviroonporn P, Siritanaratkul N, Siripornpitak S, Meekaewkunchorn A, Kirawittaya T, Sripornsawan P, Jetsrisuparb A, Srinakarin J, Wong P, Phalakornkul N, Sinlapamongkolkul P, Wood J. Prevalence and predictors of cardiac and liver iron overload in patients with thalassemia: A multicenter study based on real-world data. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2017; 66:24-30. [PMID: 28806577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Prevalence of cardiac and liver iron overload in patients with thalassemia in real-world practice may vary among different regions especially in the era of widely-used iron chelation therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiac and liver iron overload in and the management patterns of patients with thalassemia in real-world practice in Thailand. We established a multicenter registry for patients with thalassemia who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of their clinical evaluation. All enrolled patients underwent cardiac and liver MRI for assessment of iron overload. There were a total of 405 patients enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 18.8±12.5years and 46.7% were male. Two hundred ninety-six (73.1%) of patients received regular blood transfusion. Prevalence of cardiac iron overload (CIO) and liver iron overload (LIO) was 5.2% and 56.8%, respectively. Independent predictors for iron overload from laboratory information were serum ferritin and transaminase for both CIO and LIO. Serum ferritin can be used as a screening tool to rule-out CIO and to diagnose LIO. Iron chelation therapy was given in 74.6%; 15.3% as a combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rungroj Krittayaphong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pairash Saiviroonporn
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Noppadol Siritanaratkul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suvipaporn Siripornpitak
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Pornpun Sripornsawan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, Thailand
| | - Arunee Jetsrisuparb
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Srinakarin
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Peerapon Wong
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Nuttaporntira Phalakornkul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Royal Thai Air Force, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phakatip Sinlapamongkolkul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - John Wood
- Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
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Garbowski MW, Evans P, Vlachodimitropoulou E, Hider R, Porter JB. Residual erythropoiesis protects against myocardial hemosiderosis in transfusion-dependent thalassemia by lowering labile plasma iron via transient generation of apotransferrin. Haematologica 2017. [PMID: 28642302 PMCID: PMC5622848 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2017.170605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiosiderosis is a leading cause of mortality in transfusion-dependent thalassemias. Plasma non-transferrin-bound iron and its redox-active component, labile plasma iron, are key sources of iron loading in cardiosiderosis. Risk factors were identified in 73 patients with or without cardiosiderosis. Soluble transferrin receptor-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with cardiosiderosis (odds ratio 21). This risk increased when transfusion-iron loading rates exceeded the erythroid transferrin uptake rate (derived from soluble transferrin receptor-1) by >0.21 mg/kg/day (odds ratio 48). Labile plasma iron was >3-fold higher when this uptake rate threshold was exceeded, but non-transferrin-bound iron and transferrin saturation were comparable. The risk of cardiosiderosis was decreased in patients with low liver iron, ferritin and labile plasma iron, or high bilirubin, reticulocyte counts or hepcidin. We hypothesized that high erythroid transferrin uptake rate decreases cardiosiderosis through increased erythroid re-generation of apotransferrin. To test this, iron uptake and intracellular reactive oxygen species were examined in HL-1 cardiomyocytes under conditions modeling transferrin effects on non-transferrin-bound iron speciation with ferric citrate. Intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species increased with ferric citrate concentrations especially when iron-to-citrate ratios exceeded 1:100, i.e. conditions favoring kinetically labile monoferric rather than oligomer species. Excess iron-binding equivalents of apotransferrin inhibited iron uptake and decreased both intracellular reactive oxygen species and labile plasma iron under conditions favoring monoferric species. In conclusion, high transferrin iron utilization, relative to the transfusion-iron load rate, decreases the risk of cardiosiderosis. A putative mechanism is the transient re-generation of apotransferrin by an active erythron, rapidly binding labile plasma iron-detectable ferric monocitrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej W Garbowski
- Research Haematology Department, Cancer Institute, University College London, UK .,University College London Hospitals and
| | - Patricia Evans
- Research Haematology Department, Cancer Institute, University College London, UK
| | | | - Robert Hider
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - John B Porter
- Research Haematology Department, Cancer Institute, University College London, UK.,University College London Hospitals and
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Ferro E, Di Pietro A, Visalli G, Piraino B, Salpietro C, La Rosa MA. Soluble hemojuvelin in transfused and untransfused thalassaemic subjects. Eur J Haematol 2016; 98:67-74. [PMID: 27440164 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The hemojuvelin-bone morphogenetic protein axis is the principal iron-dependent mechanism of hepcidin regulation. The determination of soluble hemojuvelin (sHJV) levels could allow for a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of hepcidin regulation in thalassaemia. METHOD We have assessed sHJV in 45 transfused and 15 untransfused thalassaemic patients in comparison with 15 healthy subjects, evaluating its relationships with some parameters of iron overload, anaemia and erythropoiesis. RESULTS Untransfused thalassaemic patients had more severe anaemia and erythropoietic activity, while in transfused patients, the transfused RBCs reduced % reticulocytes and sTfR, increased serum indices of iron overload and iron stores in the liver (low MRI T2* values). sHJV levels were higher in patients than in controls and in untransfused in comparison with transfused patients. In the transfused group, we also found that sHJV values are significantly related to serum ferritin, cardiac MRI T2* and growth differentiation factor 15 and are sensitive to hepatitis C virus infection. CONCLUSION These results suggest that sHJV synthesis seems to be affected by an erythropoietic/hypoxic signal in untransfused patients that have severe anaemia, while in regularly transfused subjects, it is influenced by iron stores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ferro
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age 'Gaetano Barresi', University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Visalli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Basilia Piraino
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age 'Gaetano Barresi', University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Salpietro
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age 'Gaetano Barresi', University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Angela La Rosa
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age 'Gaetano Barresi', University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
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25
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Shalev H, Al-Athamen K, Levi I, Levitas A, Tamary H. Morbidity and mortality of adult patients with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I. Eur J Haematol 2016; 98:13-18. [PMID: 27206021 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I (CDAI) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by macrocytic anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and secondary hemochromatosis. To better define the natural history of the disease among adult patients, we studied 32 Bedouin patients (median age 34 yr; range 21-60) all carrying the same CDAN1 founder mutation. Follow-up studies included complete blood count, blood chemistry, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiography, and T2*MRI. Main complications were due to anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis [osteoporosis (8/9, 89%), cholelithiasis (21/30, 70%), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (6/25, 24%)] and iron overload [hypothyroidism (9/24, 38%), and diabetes mellitus (6/32, 19%)]. T2* MRI revealed increased liver iron but no cardiac iron (13/13). Anemia improved in the majority of patients who underwent splenectomy (5/6). Three patients died (9%) at the age of 46-56 due to PAH (1) and sepsis (2). All previously underwent splenectomy. Analyzing both our patients and the 21 patients previously described by Heimpel et al. (Blood 107:334, 2006), we conclude that adults with CDA I suffer significant morbidity and mortality. Careful monitoring of iron overload and prompt iron chelation therapy is mandatory. Due to possible complications and inconsistent response to splenectomy α-interferon, transfusion therapy or stem cell transplantation should be considered as alternatives to this procedure in severely affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Shalev
- Pediatric Division, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kaid Al-Athamen
- Hematology Department Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Itai Levi
- Hematology Department Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Aviva Levitas
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hannah Tamary
- Hematology Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Halawi R, Motta I, Taher A, Cappellini MD. Deferasirox: an orphan drug for chronic iron overload in non-transfusion dependent thalassemia syndromes. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1182018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Racha Halawi
- Internal Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Irene Motta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ali Taher
- Hematology and Oncology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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27
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Saliba AN, Taher AT. Morbidities in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1368:82-94. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine N. Saliba
- Department of Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine; American University of Beirut Medical Center; Beirut Lebanon
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Ricchi P, Marsella M. Profile of deferasirox for the treatment of patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia syndromes. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 9:6475-82. [PMID: 26719673 PMCID: PMC4687615 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s40694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been clearly shown that iron overload adds progressively significant morbidity and mortality in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The lack of physiological mechanisms to eliminate the excess of iron requires effective iron chelation therapy. The reduced compliance to deferoxamine and the risk of severe hematological adverse events during deferiprone treatment have limited the use of both these drugs to correct iron imbalance in NTDT. According to the principles of evidence-based medicine, following the demonstration of the effectiveness and the safety of deferasirox (Exjade®) in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, deferasirox was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2013 for the treatment of iron overload associated with NTDT. This review, assessing the available scientific literature, will focus on the profile of DFX in the treatment of non-transfusional hemosiderosis in patients with NTDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ricchi
- UOSD Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Marsella
- UOSD Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Naples, Italy ; UOC Pediatria, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale G. Rummo, Benevento, Italy
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Saliba AN, El Rassi F, Taher AT. Clinical monitoring and management of complications related to chelation therapy in patients with β-thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2015; 9:151-68. [DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2016.1126176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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30
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Fahmy HS, Khater NH, El Shahat HM, Madani AA, El Hadidy SS. Reassessing the value of MRI T2∗ in evaluation of hepatic and myocardial iron concentration: An institutional study. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Ricchi P, Meloni A, Spasiano A, Neri MG, Gamberini MR, Cuccia L, Caruso V, Gerardi C, D'Ascola DG, Rosso R, Campisi S, Rizzo M, Terrazzino F, Vangosa AB, Chiodi E, Missere M, Mangione M, Positano V, Pepe A. Extramedullary hematopoiesis is associated with lower cardiac iron loading in chronically transfused thalassemia patients. Am J Hematol 2015; 90:1008-12. [PMID: 26228763 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a large cohort of chronically transfused patients, whether the presence of extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) accounts for the typical patterns of cardiac iron distribution and/or cardiac function parameters. We retrospectively selected 1,266 thalassemia major patients who had undergone regular transfusions (611 men and 655 women; mean age: 31.3 ± 8.9 years, range: 4.2-66.6 years) and were consecutively enrolled within the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia network. The presence of EMH was evaluated based on steady-state free precession sequences; cardiac and liver iron overloads were quantified using a multiecho T2* approach; cardiac function parameters and pulmonary diameter were quantified using the steady-state free precession sequences; and myocardial fibrosis was evaluated using the late gadolinium enhancement technique. EMH was detected in 167 (13.2%) patients. The EMH+ patients had significantly lower cardiac iron overload than that of the EMH- patients (P = 0.003). The patterns of cardiac iron distribution were significantly different in the EMH+ and EMH- patients (P < 0.0001), with a higher prevalence of patients with no myocardial iron overload and heterogeneous myocardial iron overload and no significant global heart iron in the EMH+ group EMH+ patients had a significantly higher left ventricle mass index (P = 0.001) and a significantly higher pulmonary artery diameter (P = 0.002). In conclusion, in regularly transfused thalassemia patients, EMH was common and was associated with a thalassemia intermedia-like pattern of cardiac iron deposition despite regular transfusion therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ricchi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare Del Globulo Rosso; Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale “a. Cardarelli,”; Napoli Italy
| | - Antonella Meloni
- CMR Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana; Pisa Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria E Ingegneria Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana; Pisa Italy
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare Del Globulo Rosso; Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale “a. Cardarelli,”; Napoli Italy
| | | | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Dipartimento Della Riproduzione E Dell'accrescimento; Day Hospital Della Talassemia E Delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Arcispedale “S. Anna,”; Ferrara Italy
| | - Liana Cuccia
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia Con Talassemia; ARNAS Civico “Benfratelli-Di Cristina,”; Palermo Italy
| | - Vincenzo Caruso
- Unità Operativa Dipartimentale Talassemia; Presidio Ospedaliero Garibaldi-Centro - ARNAS Garibaldi; Catania Italy
| | - Calogera Gerardi
- Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II,”; Distretto AG2 Di Sciacca, Sciacca (AG); Italy
| | | | - Rosamaria Rosso
- Unità Operativa Talassemie Ed Emoglobinopatie; Ospedale “Ferrarotto” - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “Vittorio Emanuele,”; Catania Italy
| | - Saveria Campisi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Talassemia; Presidio Ospedaliero “Umberto I,”; Siracusa Italy
| | - Michele Rizzo
- Reparto Di Ematologia; Ospedale “Sant'elia,”; altanisetta Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Briatico Vangosa
- Institute of Radiology; Department of Neuroscience and Imaging; Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy-Radiology Division; “G. D'Annunzio” University; Chieti Italy
| | - Elisabetta Chiodi
- Dipartimento Di Diagnostica per Immagini E Medicina Di Laboratorio; Struttura Complessa Di Radiologia Diagnostica E Interventistica Interaziendale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Arcispedale “S. Anna-Cona,”; Cona (FE) Italy
| | - Massimiliano Missere
- Dipartimento Di Immagini; Fondazione Di Ricerca E Cura “Giovanni Paolo II,”; Campobasso Italy
| | - Maurizio Mangione
- U.O.S. Sistemi Informatici, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana; Pisa Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- CMR Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana; Pisa Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria E Ingegneria Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana; Pisa Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- CMR Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana; Pisa Italy
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Fragomeno C, Roccabruna E, D'Ascola DG. Effect of deferasirox on iron overload in patients with transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathies. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2015; 55:382-6. [PMID: 26460263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with haematopoietic disorders requiring long-term blood transfusions are at risk of iron overload. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of long-term deferasirox monotherapy in patients with transfusion-dependent anaemia in the routine clinical practice setting. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of patients who commenced deferasirox therapy at the Hospital Bianchi Melacrino Morelli in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Data collected included cardiac and hepatic iron load (assessed by magnetic resonance imaging); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients were divided into two groups for analysis: group A (baseline information collected prior to deferasirox initiation) and group B (baseline information collected after deferasirox initiation). RESULTS Forty-six patients were included (group A: n=25; group B: n=21). The overall population was 63% male, with a mean age of 33 years. The majority of patients (65%) had thalassaemia major. In the overall population, cardiac iron levels between the baseline and first follow-up visits improved in both groups A and B (29.2 vs. 32.5 ms; p=0.04 and 28.4 vs. 31.4 ms; p=0.038). Liver iron levels improved significantly from baseline to visit 1 in group A (7.2 vs. 12.1 ms; p<0.004) and from baseline to visit 3 (6.9 vs. 10.7; p=0.049) in group B. Generally, there was no correlation between cardiac and liver iron levels. LVEF remained stable throughout the study period. Deferasirox was well tolerated and was not associated with significant adverse events. CONCLUSION Long-term treatment with deferasirox is effective and safe in patients with transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathies monitored in the clinical practice setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Fragomeno
- SSD Microcythemia Center, Hospital Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Emilio Roccabruna
- SSD Microcythemia Center, Hospital Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Abstract
Iron overload is becoming an increasing problem as haemoglobinopathy patients gain greater access to good medical care and as therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes improve. Therapeutic options for iron chelation therapy have increased and many patients now receive combination therapies. However, optimal utilization of iron chelation therapy requires knowledge not only of the total body iron burden but the relative iron distribution among the different organs. The physiological basis for extrahepatic iron deposition is presented in order to help identify patients at highest risk for cardiac and endocrine complications. This manuscript reviews the current state of the art for monitoring global iron overload status as well as its compartmentalization. Plasma markers, computerized tomography, liver biopsy, magnetic susceptibility devices and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are all discussed but MRI has come to dominate clinical practice. The potential impact of recent pancreatic and pituitary MRI studies on clinical practice are discussed as well as other works-in-progress. Clinical protocols are derived from experience in haemoglobinopathies but may provide useful guiding principles for other iron overload disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Wood
- Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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34
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Dignass AU, Gasche C, Bettenworth D, Birgegård G, Danese S, Gisbert JP, Gomollon F, Iqbal T, Katsanos K, Koutroubakis I, Magro F, Savoye G, Stein J, Vavricka S. European consensus on the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency and anaemia in inflammatory bowel diseases. J Crohns Colitis 2015; 9:211-22. [PMID: 25518052 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jju009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Axel U Dignass
- Department of Medicine 1, Agaplesion Markus Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany Crohn Colitis Center, Frankfurt, Germany [*AD and *CG are both [shared] first authors and acted as conveners of the Consensus].
| | - Christoph Gasche
- Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Austria [*AD and *CG are both [shared] first authors and acted as conveners of the Consensus]
| | | | - Gunnar Birgegård
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Javier P Gisbert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, IP and CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Tariq Iqbal
- University Hospitals Birmingham, NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Konstantinos Katsanos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Novel approach to reactive oxygen species in nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:350432. [PMID: 25121095 PMCID: PMC4119900 DOI: 10.1155/2014/350432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The term Nontransfusion dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) was suggested to describe patients who had clinical manifestations that are too severe to be termed minor yet too mild to be termed major. Those patients are not entirely dependent on transfusions for survival.
If left untreated, three main factors are responsible for the clinical sequelae of NTDT: ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic anemia, and iron overload. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in NTDT patients is caused by 2 major mechanisms. The first one is chronic hypoxia resulting from chronic anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis leading to mitochondrial damage and the second is iron overload also due to chronic anemia and tissue hypoxia leading to increase intestinal iron absorption in thalassemic patients. Oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (generated by free globin chains and labile plasma iron) is believed to be one of the main contributors to cell injury, tissue damage, and hypercoagulability in patients with thalassemia. Independently increased ROS has been linked to a myriad of pathological outcomes such as leg ulcers, decreased wound healing, pulmonary hypertension, silent brain infarcts, and increased thrombosis to count a few. Interestingly many of those complications overlap with those found in NTDT patients.
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Musallam KM, Rivella S, Vichinsky E, Rachmilewitz EA. Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias. Haematologica 2013; 98:833-44. [PMID: 23729725 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2012.066845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias include a variety of phenotypes that, unlike patients with beta (β)-thalassemia major, do not require regular transfusion therapy for survival. The most commonly investigated forms are β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia, and α-thalassemia intermedia (hemoglobin H disease). However, transfusion-independence in such patients is not without side effects. Ineffective erythropoiesis and peripheral hemolysis, the hallmarks of disease process, lead to a variety of subsequent pathophysiologies including iron overload and hypercoagulability that ultimately lead to a number of serious clinical morbidities. Thus, prompt and accurate diagnosis of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia is essential to ensure early intervention. Although several management options are currently available, the need to develop more novel therapeutics is justified by recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of disease. Such efforts require wide international collaboration, especially since non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias are no longer bound to low- and middle-income countries but have spread to large multiethnic cities in Europe and the Americas due to continued migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, IRCCS Ca’ Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Reinisch W, Staun M, Bhandari S, Muñoz M. State of the iron: how to diagnose and efficiently treat iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohns Colitis 2013; 7:429-40. [PMID: 22917870 DOI: 10.1016/j.crohns.2012.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) frequently occurs in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and negatively impacts their quality of life. Nevertheless, the condition appears to be both under-diagnosed and undertreated. Regular biochemical screening of patients with IBD for anemia by the gastroenterology community has to be advocated. Oral iron is a low cost treatment however its effectiveness is limited by low bioavailability and poor tolerability. Intravenous (IV) iron rapidly replenishes iron stores and has demonstrated its safe use in a number of studies in various therapeutic areas. A broad spectrum of new IV iron formulations is now becoming available offering improved tolerability and patient convenience by rapidly restoring the depleted iron status of patients with IBD. The following article aims to review the magnitude of the problem of IDA in IBD, suggest screening standards and highlight existing and future therapies.
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Kolnagou A, Natsiopoulos K, Kleanthous M, Ioannou A, Kontoghiorghes GJ. Liver iron and serum ferritin levels are misleading for estimating cardiac, pancreatic, splenic and total body iron load in thalassemia patients: factors influencing the heterogenic distribution of excess storage iron in organs as identified by MRI T2*. Toxicol Mech Methods 2013; 23:48-56. [PMID: 22943064 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2012.727198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A comparative assessment of excess storage iron distribution in the liver, heart, spleen and pancreas of β-thalassemia major (β-ΤΜ) patients has been carried out using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxation times T2*. The β-ΤΜ patients (8-40 years, 11 males, 9 females) had variable serum ferritin levels (394-5603 μg/L) and were treated with deferoxamine (n = 10), deferiprone (n = 5) and deferoxamine/deferiprone combination (n = 5). MRI T2* assessment revealed that excess iron is not proportionally distributed among the organs but is stored at different concentrations in each organ and the distribution is different for each β-ΤΜ patient. There is random variation in the distribution of excess storage iron from normal to severe levels in each organ among the β-ΤΜ patients by comparison to the same organs of ten normal volunteers. The correlation of serum ferritin with T2* was for spleen (r = -0.81), liver (r = -0.63), pancreas (r = -0.33) and none with heart. Similar trend was observed in the correlation of liver T2* with the T2* of spleen (r = 0.62), pancreas (r = 0.61) and none with heart. These studies contradict previous assumptions that serum ferritin and liver iron concentration is proportional to the total body iron stores in β-ΤΜ and especially cardiac iron load. The random variation in the concentration of iron in the organs of β-ΤΜ patients appears to be related to the chelation protocol, organ function, genetic, dietary, pharmacological and other factors. Monitoring of the iron load for all the organs is recommended for each β-ΤΜ patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annita Kolnagou
- Postgraduate Research Institute of Science, Technology, Environment and Medicine, Limassol, Cyprus
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Taher AT, Viprakasit V, Musallam KM, Cappellini MD. Treating iron overload in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Am J Hematol 2013; 88:409-15. [PMID: 23475638 PMCID: PMC3652024 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite receiving no or only occasional blood transfusions, patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) have increased intestinal iron absorption and can accumulate iron to levels comparable with transfusion-dependent patients. This iron accumulation occurs more slowly in NTDT patients compared to transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients, and complications do not arise until later in life. It remains crucial for these patients' health to monitor and appropriately treat their iron burden. Based on recent data, including a randomized clinical trial on iron chelation in NTDT, a simple iron chelation treatment algorithm is presented to assist physicians with monitoring iron burden and initiating chelation therapy in this group of patients. Am. J. Hematol. 88:409–415, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal MedicineAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirut Lebanon
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics and Siriraj‐Thalassemia CenterFaculty of MedicineSiriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkok Thailand
| | - Khaled M. Musallam
- Department of Internal MedicineAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirut Lebanon
- Department of Medicine and Medical SpecialitiesUniversitá di MilanoCa' Granda Foundation IRCCSMilan Italy
| | - M. Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Medicine and Medical SpecialitiesUniversitá di MilanoCa' Granda Foundation IRCCSMilan Italy
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Musallam KM, Motta I, Salvatori M, Fraquelli M, Marcon A, Taher AT, Cappellini MD. Longitudinal changes in serum ferritin levels correlate with measures of hepatic stiffness in transfusion-independent patients with β-thalassemia intermedia. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2012; 49:136-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Wood JC, Taher AT. Iron overload in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia: a clinical perspective. Blood Rev 2012; 26 Suppl 1:S16-9. [PMID: 22631036 DOI: 10.1016/s0268-960x(12)70006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Iron overload due to increased intestinal iron absorption represents an important clinical problem in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT), particularly as they advance in age. Current models for iron metabolism in patients with beta (β)-thalassemia intermedia (TI) suggest that suppression of serum hepcidin results in increased iron absorption and release of iron from the reticuloendothelial system, leading to depletion of macrophage iron, relatively low levels of serum ferritin, and liver iron loading. The clinical consequences of iron overload in patients with NTDT are multifactorial and include endocrinopathy, bone disease, thromboembolism, pulmonary hypertension, cerebrovascular and neuronal damage, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although serum ferritin levels correlate with liver iron concentration (LIC), they underestimate iron load in these patients compared with transfusion-dependent patients with equivalent LIC. Therefore, direct measurement of LIC is recommended with chelation therapy as indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Tony S, Daar S, Elshinawy M, Al-Zadjaly S, Al-Khabori M, Wali Y. T2* MRI in regularly transfused children with thalassemia intermedia: serum ferritin does not reflect liver iron stores. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2012; 29:579-84. [PMID: 22839111 DOI: 10.3109/08880018.2012.708891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Nontransfused patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI) accumulate iron due to increased gastrointestinal absorption of iron. Recent studies using T2* MRI revealed that serum ferritin does not reflect the severity of iron overload in nontransfused TI patients. We evaluated the iron overload status in TI children on monthly transfusion. Based on serum ferritin levels, 11 such patients (mean age 13.18 ± 4.09 years), were classified into two groups, group 1 (six patients) and group 2 (five patients) with serum ferritin levels below and above 1000 ng/mL, respectively. T2* MRI assessments were done for evaluation of hepatic and cardiac iron status. Group 1 and group 2 had mean serum ferritin levels of 817.300 ± 244.690 ng/mL and 1983.80 ± 662.862 ng/mL, respectively (P = .003). T2* MRI showed comparable moderate to severe hepatic iron overload status in both. None of the patients had myocardial iron deposition. We conclude that serum ferritin does not reflect the hepatic iron overload status in our patients with TI on regular transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surekha Tony
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Musallam KM, Taher AT, Rachmilewitz EA. β-thalassemia intermedia: a clinical perspective. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2012; 2:a013482. [PMID: 22762026 PMCID: PMC3385943 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a013482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease process in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia has substantially increased over the past decade. Earlier studies observed that patients with β-thalassemia intermedia experience a clinical-complications profile that is different from that in patients with β-thalassemia major. In this article, a variety of clinical morbidities are explored, and their associations with the underlying disease pathophysiology and risk factors are examined. These involve several organs and organ systems including the vasculature, heart, liver, endocrine glands, bone, and the extramedullary hematopoietic system. The effects of some therapeutic interventions on the development of clinical complications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, IRCCS Cà Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Taylor BA, Loeffler RB, Song R, McCarville MB, Hankins JS, Hillenbrand CM. Simultaneous field and R2 mapping to quantify liver iron content using autoregressive moving average modeling. J Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 35:1125-32. [PMID: 22180325 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the use of a complex multigradient echo (mGRE) acquisition and an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model for simultaneous susceptibility and R 2 measurements for the assessment of liver iron content (LIC) in patients with iron overload. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams with magnitude and phase mGRE images were processed using the ARMA model, which provides fat-separated field maps, R 2 maps, and T(1) -W imaging. The LIC was calculated by measuring the susceptibility between the liver and the right transverse abdominal muscle from the field maps. The relationship between LIC derived from susceptibility measurements and LIC from R 2 measurements was determined using linear least-squares regression analysis. RESULTS LIC measured from R 2 is highly correlated to the LIC with the susceptibility method (mg/g dry = 8.99 ± 0.15 × [mg Fe/mL of wet liver] -2.38 ± 0.29, R(2) = 0.94). The field inhomogeneity in the liver is correlated with R 2 (R(2) = 0.85). CONCLUSION By using the ARMA model on complex mGRE images, both susceptibility and R 2-based LIC measurements can be made simultaneously. The susceptibility measurement can be used to help verify R 2 measurements in the assessment of iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Taylor
- Department of Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Karimi M, Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Daar S, El-Beshlawy A, Belhoul K, Saned MS, Temraz S, Koussa S, Taher AT. Risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients with β thalassemia intermedia. Eur J Intern Med 2011; 22:607-10. [PMID: 22075289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a common yet poorly understood complication of β thalassemia intermedia (TI). METHODS We herein evaluated risk factors for PHT in TI, through comparing 64 TI patients with evidence of PHT by symptomatology and echocardiography (Group I) to age- and sex-matched TI patients without PHT (Group II). Retrieved data included demographics, laboratory parameters, clinical characteristics, and received treatments that may influence PHT development; and reflected the period prior to PHT occurrence in Group I. RESULTS The mean age of Group I patients at development of PHT was 37.3±10.6years; with 44% being males. Among studied parameters, Group I patients were more likely to be splenectomized (4.9-times), transfusion-naive (3.5-times); hydroxyurea-naive (2.6-times), or iron chelation-naive (2.3-times); and have nucleated red blood cell count ≥300×10(6)/l (2.59-times) or a previous history of thromboembolic events (3.69-times). CONCLUSION TI patients who eventually develop PHT may be identified early on by being splenectomized, having high nucleated red blood cell counts and a previous history of thromboembolism. Prospective clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of transfusion, iron chelation, and hydroxyurea therapy in preventing PHT in TI are invited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Karimi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Wood JC, Motta I, Graziadei G, Tamim H, Taher AT. Elevated liver iron concentration is a marker of increased morbidity in patients with β thalassemia intermedia. Haematologica 2011; 96:1605-12. [PMID: 21791471 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2011.047852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with β thalassemia intermedia can have substantial iron overload, irrespectively of their transfusion status, secondary to increased intestinal iron absorption. This study evaluates whether iron overload in patients with β thalassemia intermedia is associated with morbidity. DESIGN AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 168 patients with β thalassemia intermedia treated at two centers in Lebanon and Italy. Data on demographics, splenectomy status, transfusion status, and presence of co-morbidities were retrieved. Laboratory values of serum ferritin, fetal and total hemoglobin levels, as well as platelet and nucleated red blood cell counts were also obtained. Iron burden was determined directly by measuring liver iron concentration using magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were subdivided according to transfusion and splenectomy status into groups with phenotypes of different severity. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 35.2 ± 12.6 years and 42.9% of them were male. The mean liver iron concentration was 8.4 ± 6.7 mg Fe/g dry weight. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, splenectomy status, transfusion status, and laboratory indices, an increase in 1 mg Fe/g dry weight liver iron concentration was independently and significantly associated with higher odds of thrombosis, pulmonary hypertension, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and hypogonadism. A liver iron concentration of at least 7 and at least 6 mg Fe/g dry weight were the best thresholds for discriminating the presence and absence of vascular and endocrine/bone morbidities, respectively (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.72, P<0.001). Elevated liver iron concentration was associated with an increased rate of morbidity in patients with phenotypes of all severity, with a steeper increase in the rate of vascular morbidity being attributed to aging, and an earlier appearance of endocrine and bone disease. CONCLUSIONS Elevated liver iron concentration in patients with β thalassemia intermedia is a marker of increased vascular, endocrine, and bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Musallam KM, Nasreddine W, Beydoun A, Hourani R, Hankir A, Koussa S, Haidar M, Taher AT. Brain positron emission tomography in splenectomized adults with β-thalassemia intermedia: uncovering yet another covert abnormality. Ann Hematol 2011; 91:235-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-011-1291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Saad GSA, Musallam KM, Taher AT. The surgeon and the patient with β-thalassaemia intermedia. Br J Surg 2011; 98:751-60. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.7533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Unlike patients with β-thalassaemia major, where lifelong transfusion and iron chelation therapy are necessary for survival, patients with β-thalassaemia intermedia (TI) generally have a milder course and anaemia. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease still allows several complications to manifest. Surgical management during the course of the disease is common but relevant data from the literature have never been reviewed constructively. This aim of this review was to highlight this clinical entity to the surgeon, and ensure optimal and timely intervention.
Methods
The review was based on potentially relevant studies identified from an electronic search of MEDLINE and PubMed databases. There were no language or publication year restrictions. References in published articles were also reviewed.
Results
Surgical intervention is often essential to ensure optimal control of the associated morbidity in TI. Several general considerations are necessary before surgical intervention with regard to anaemia, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic events and the effects of iron overload. Splenectomy, cholecystectomy, leg ulcers, fractures and extramedullary pseudotumours are the most commonly encountered surgical problems related to TI.
Conclusion
Awareness of TI and its associated morbidity is important so that appropriate preoperative care can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Abi Saad
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - K M Musallam
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon
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Fragasso A, Ciancio A, Mannarella C, Gaudiano C, Scarciolla O, Ottonello C, Francone M, Nardella M, Peluso A, Melpignano A, Veglio MR, Quarta G, Turchetti C. Myocardial iron overload assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)T2* in multi-transfused patients with thalassemia and acquired anemias. Eur J Intern Med 2011; 22:62-5. [PMID: 21238896 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Revised: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac complications secondary to iron overload remain a significant matter in patients with transfusion dependent anemias. PATIENTS AND METHODS To evaluate cardiac siderosis, Magnetic resonance imaging T2* (MRI T2*) was performed in 3 cohorts of transfusion dependent patients: 99 with thalassemia major (TM), 20 with thalassemia intermedia (TI), and 10 with acquired anemias (AA). Serum ferritin was measured and all patients underwent echocardiographic evaluation. RESULTS In TM patients cardiac T2* pathologic values (below 20 ms) were found in 37 patients. Serum ferritin was negatively associated with age (r=-0.32, p=0.001) and weakly with T2* values (r=-0.19, p=0.057). A positive correlation was found between T2* and LVEF (r=0.27, p=0.006). Out of 37 patients with T2*<20 ms, 18 (48%) had serum ferritin values<1000 ng/ml. In TI cohort, 3 patients had cardiac T2* pathologic values. In AA cohort, pathologic T2* values were found in 2 patients, who received 234 and 199 PRBC units, respectively, and were both on chelation therapy (in one patient ferritin value was 399 ng/ml). T2* values were negatively associated, but not significantly, with the number of PRBC transfused (r=-0.53, p=0.07). CONCLUSION In our experience, 37% of TM patients had a myocardial iron overload assessed by MRI T2*; this value is higher than in TI patients. Serum ferritin measurement was a poor predictor of myocardial siderosis. In patients with AA, more than 200 PRBC units transfused were required to induce cardiac hemosiderosis, in spite of chelation therapy and, in one patient, of normal ferritin values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fragasso
- Unità Semplice di Ematologia, Ospedale Madonna delle Grazie, Matera, Italy.
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