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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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Locke M, Reddy PS, Badawy SM. Adherence to Iron Chelation Therapy among Adults with Thalassemia: A Systematic Review. Hemoglobin 2022; 46:201-213. [PMID: 35930250 PMCID: PMC9948767 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2022.2072320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Iron chelation therapy (ICT) is essential to prevent complications of iron overload in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. However, the role that adherence to ICT plays in health-related outcomes is less well known. Our objectives were to identify adherence rates of ICT, and to assess methods of measurement, predictors of adherence, and adherence-related health outcomes in the literature published between 1980 and 2020. Of 543 articles, 43 met the inclusion criteria. Studies measured ICT adherence, predictors, and/or outcomes associated with adherence. Most studies were across multiple countries in Europe and North America (n = 8/43, 18.6%), recruited in clinics (n = 39/43, 90.7%), and focused on β-thalassemia (β-thal) (n = 25/43, 58.1%). Common methods of assessing ICT adherence included patient self-report (n = 24/43, 55.8%), pill count (n = 9/43, 20.9%), prescription refill history (n = 3/43, 7.0%), provider scoring (n = 3/43, 7.0%), and combinations of methods (n = 4/43, 9.3%). Studies reported adherence either in 'categories' with different levels of adherence (n = 24) or 'quantitatively' as a percentage of doses of medication taken out of those prescribed (n = 17). Adherence levels varied (median 91.7%, range 42.0-99.97%). Studies varied in sample size and methods of adherence assessment and reporting, which prohibited meta-analysis. Due to a lack of consensus on how adherence is defined, it is difficult to compare ICT adherence reporting. Further research is needed to establish guidelines for assessing adherence and identifying suboptimal adherence. Behavioral digital interventions have the potential to optimize ICT adherence and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Locke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Institute, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Paavani S. Reddy
- Department of Medical Education, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sherif M. Badawy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Mechanistic Insights of Chelator Complexes with Essential Transition Metals: Antioxidant/Pro-Oxidant Activity and Applications in Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031247. [PMID: 35163169 PMCID: PMC8835618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antioxidant/pro-oxidant activity of drugs and dietary molecules and their role in the maintenance of redox homeostasis, as well as the implications in health and different diseases, have not yet been fully evaluated. In particular, the redox activity and other interactions of drugs with essential redox metal ions, such as iron and copper, need further investigation. These metal ions are ubiquitous in human nutrition but also widely found in dietary supplements and appear to exert major effects on redox homeostasis in health, but also on many diseases of free radical pathology. In this context, the redox mechanistic insights of mainly three prototype groups of drugs, namely alpha-ketohydroxypyridines (alpha-hydroxypyridones), e.g., deferiprone, anthraquinones, e.g., doxorubicin and thiosemicarbazones, e.g., triapine and their metal complexes were examined; details of the mechanisms of their redox activity were reviewed, with emphasis on the biological implications and potential clinical applications, including anticancer activity. Furthermore, the redox properties of these three classes of chelators were compared to those of the iron chelating drugs and also to vitamin C, with an emphasis on their potential clinical interactions and future clinical application prospects in cancer, neurodegenerative and other diseases.
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Uaprasert N, Satitthummanid S, Akkawat B, Sutcharitchan P, Rojnuckarin P. Vascular and hemostatic alterations associated with pulmonary hypertension in β-thalassemia hemoglobin E patients receiving regular transfusion and iron chelation. Thromb Res 2018; 174:104-112. [PMID: 30584959 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2018.12.021] [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: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the commonest cardiac complication in β-thalassemia intermedia, including β-thalassemia/hemoglobin E (β-thal/HbE), and is strongly associated with splenectomy. We aimed to define the prevalence and comprehensively explore mechanisms of PH in β-thal/HbE patients receiving regular transfusion and iron chelation, which were reported to alleviate PH. MATERIALS AND METHODS β-Thal/HbE patients receiving regular transfusion and iron chelation over one year were enrolled. Patients at risk for PH were defined by tricuspid-regurgitant-jet-velocity (TRV) ≥ 2.5 m/s. Laboratory and echocardiographic variables were compared with healthy controls. RESULTS There were 68 β-thal/HbE, including 31 (45.6%) splenectomized patients, and 38 controls included for analysis. PH was detected in 29 β-thal/HbE (42.6%). β-Thal/HbE with PH had a significant reduction in nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) but elevations in thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) values compared to those without PH (all, p < 0.05). TRV was significantly correlated with NOx, TAT, sTM, ET-1 and FMD values (r = -0.514, r = 0.281, r = 0.313, r = 0.245 and r = -0.474; all p < 0.05). Erythropoietic activity, serum ferritin, circulating total tissue factor (TF) antigen, microparticle-associated TF activity, microparticle's procoagulant activity and soluble p-selectin levels were not different between PH and non-PH subgroups. Notably, there were no significant associations between splenectomy and PH. CONCLUSIONS PH remains prevalent in β-thal/HbE patients receiving long-term transfusion and iron chelation. PH is not associated with splenectomy status but correlated with NO depletion, TF-independent hypercoagulability and endothelial perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noppacharn Uaprasert
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Sudarat Satitthummanid
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Benjaporn Akkawat
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pranee Sutcharitchan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Ponlapat Rojnuckarin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Management of Children With β-Thalassemia Intermedia: Overview, Recent Advances, and Treatment Challenges. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2018; 40:253-268. [PMID: 29629992 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge of the various clinical morbidities that thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients endure has substantially increased over the past decade. It is mandatory to grasp a solid understanding of disease-specific complications in order to tailor management. The optimal course of management for TI patients has been hard to identify, and several controversies remain with regard to the best treatment plan. Although advances in TI are moving at a fast pace, many complications remain with no treatment guidelines. Studies that expand our understanding of the mechanisms and risk factors, as well as clinical trials evaluating the roles of available treatments, will help establish management guidelines that improve patient care. Novel therapeutic modalities are now emerging. This article focuses on the management of children with β-TI. We present various clinical morbidities and their association with the underlying disease pathophysiology and risk factors. All therapeutic options, recent advances, and treatment challenges were reviewed.
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Chan S, Lian Q, Chen MP, Jiang D, Ho JTK, Cheung YF, Chan GCF. Deferiprone inhibits iron overload-induced tissue factor bearing endothelial microparticle generation by inhibition oxidative stress induced mitochondrial injury, and apoptosis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 338:148-158. [PMID: 29132816 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Iron overload-induced cardiovascular toxicity is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in beta-thalassemia major patients. We have previously shown that iron overload-induced systemic arterial changes characterized by endothelial dysfunction are associated with increased endothelial microparticle (EMP) release. In this study, we further demonstrate how EMP release is associated with iron-induced mitochondrial injury and apoptosis of endothelial cells. Iron increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium influx into mitochondria [Ca2+]m. Iron also disturbed mitochondrial respiration function and eventually led to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). A significant increase in apoptotic cells and EMPs were found under iron treatment. EMPs contained tissue factor (TF), which has potential clinical impact on thromboembolic phenomenon. Then, we investigated the salvaging effect of deferiprone (L1) on endothelial cell damage and EMP release. We found that L1 could inhibit iron-induced ROS generation, and decrease mitochondrial damage with the resultant effect of less endothelial cell apoptosis and EMP release. L1 could protect endothelial cells from iron-induced toxic effects and minimize EMP release, which could be potentially helpful in a subgroup of thalassemia patients who have increased thromboembolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shing Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Mei-Pian Chen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Dan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jolie T K Ho
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yiu-Fai Cheung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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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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Taher AT, Cappellini MD, Aydinok Y, Porter JB, Karakas Z, Viprakasit V, Siritanaratkul N, Kattamis A, Wang C, Zhu Z, Joaquin V, Uwamahoro MJ, Lai YR. Optimising iron chelation therapy with deferasirox for non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients: 1-year results from the THETIS study. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2015; 57:23-9. [PMID: 26852651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Efficacy and safety of iron chelation therapy with deferasirox in iron-overloaded non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) patients were established in the THALASSA study. THETIS, an open-label, single-arm, multicentre, Phase IV study, added to this evidence by investigating earlier dose escalation by baseline liver iron concentration (LIC) (week 4: escalation according to baseline LIC; week 24: adjustment according to LIC response, maximum 30mg/kg/day). The primary efficacy endpoint was absolute change in LIC from baseline to week 52. 134 iron-overloaded non-transfusion-dependent anaemia patients were enrolled and received deferasirox starting at 10mg/kg/day. Mean actual dose±SD over 1year was 14.70±5.48mg/kg/day. At week 52, mean LIC±SD decreased significantly from 15.13±10.72mg Fe/g dw at baseline to 8.46±6.25mg Fe/g dw (absolute change from baseline, -6.68±7.02mg Fe/g dw [95% CI: -7.91, -5.45]; P<0.0001). Most common drug-related adverse events were gastrointestinal: abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and nausea (n=6 each). There was one death (pneumonia, not considered drug related). With significant and clinically relevant reductions in iron burden alongside a safety profile similar to that in THALASSA, these data support earlier escalation with higher deferasirox doses in iron-overloaded non-transfusion-dependent anaemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | | | - Yesim Aydinok
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Ege University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - John B Porter
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Zeynep Karakas
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Noppadol Siritanaratkul
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Zewen Zhu
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Yong-Rong Lai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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Calvaruso G, Vitrano A, Di Maggio R, Lai E, Colletta G, Quota A, Gerardi C, Rigoli LC, Sacco M, Pitrolo L, Maggio A. Deferiprone versus deferoxamine in thalassemia intermedia: Results from a 5-year long-term Italian multicenter randomized clinical trial. Am J Hematol 2015; 90:634-8. [PMID: 25809173 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI), such as beta-TI, alpha-thalassemia (mainly HbH disease and mild/moderate forms of HbE/beta-thalassemia), iron overload is an important challenge in terms of diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Moreover, to date, the only possible chelators available are deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone. Here, we report the first 5-year long-term randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of deferiprone versus deferoxamine in patients with TI. Body iron burden, which was determined by measuring serum ferritin levels in the same patient over 5 years and analyzed according to the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), showed a linear decrease over time in the mean serum ferritin levels in both treatment groups (P-value = 0.035). The overall period of observation was 235.2 person-years for the deferiprone patients compared with 214.3 person-years for the deferoxamine patients. The results of the log-rank test suggested that the deferiprone treatment did not affect survival compared with the deferoxamine treatment (P-value = 0.360). The major adverse events observed included gastrointestinal symptoms and joint pain or arthralgia. Neutropenia and agranulocytosis were also detected, suggesting needing of strict hematological control. In conclusion, long-term iron chelation therapy with deferiprone is associated with an efficacy and safety similar to that of deferoxamine, suggesting that this drug is an alternative option in cases in which deferoxamine and deferasirox are contraindicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Calvaruso
- A.O.R. “Villa Sofia - V; Cervello’’; Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia II; Palermo Italy
| | - Angela Vitrano
- A.O.R. “Villa Sofia - V; Cervello’’; Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia II; Palermo Italy
| | - Rosario Di Maggio
- A.O.R. “Villa Sofia - V; Cervello’’; Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia II; Palermo Italy
| | - Eliana Lai
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche; Sezione Talassemici Adulti, University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Grazia Colletta
- Azienda Ospedaliera Univiversità Policlinico “Vittorio Emanuele -P.O Ferrarotto”; Catania Italy
| | | | | | | | - Massimiliano Sacco
- A.O.R. “Villa Sofia - V; Cervello’’; Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia II; Palermo Italy
| | - Lorella Pitrolo
- A.O.R. “Villa Sofia - V; Cervello’’; Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia II; Palermo Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- A.O.R. “Villa Sofia - V; Cervello’’; Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia II; Palermo Italy
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Robinson JC, Graham BB, Rouault TC, Tuder RM. The crossroads of iron with hypoxia and cellular metabolism. Implications in the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 51:721-9. [PMID: 24988529 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0021tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathologic hallmark of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is pulmonary vascular remodeling, characterized by endothelial cell proliferation, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and perivascular inflammation, ultimately contributing to increased pulmonary arterial pressures. Several recent studies have observed that iron deficiency in patients with various forms of PAH is associated with worsened clinical outcome. Iron plays a key role in many cellular processes regulating the response to hypoxia, oxidative stress, cellular proliferation, and cell metabolism. Given the potential importance of iron supplementation in patients with the disease and the broad cellular functions of iron, we review its role in processes that pertain to PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Robinson
- 1 Program in Translational Lung Research, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; and
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Harb AR, Saliba AN, Taher AT. Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia: Translating Evidence to Guidelines. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.4081/thal.2014.4863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The thalassemias are a group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis characterized by various degrees of defective production of the α- or β-globin chains of adult hemoglobin A. Non-transfusion- dependent thalassemia (NTDT) includes a group of thalassemia patients who do not require regular RBC transfusions for survival, but may require occasional transfusions due to infection or pregnancy or may require more regular transfusions later in life due to splenomegaly or other complications. Due to the rising phenomenon of global migration, this previously well-localized entity is currently spreading more and more worldwide reaching Northern America and Northern Europe. The clinical picture of NTDT is governed by the severity of the ineffective erythropoiesis and the chronic hemolytic anemia, which, in turn, lead to iron overload, hypercoagulability, and an array of clinical complications involving almost every organ system. Patients with NTDT suffer from complications that are distinct from those encountered in patients with transfusion- dependent thalassemia (TDT) in addition to the complications shared by both TDT and NTDT. As a consequence, patients with NTDT deserve a care specifically tailored to their needs. In the care of patients with NTDT, aiming at a standardized yet personalized care is not an easy task especially that NTDT patients lie on a heterogeneous spectrum with a wide variability in their clinical presentation and response to therapy. Therefore, guidelines emerge as a necessity to answer the specific needs of NTDT patients and the clinicians caring for them. In this article, we summarize the complications most commonly associated with NTDT and the recommendations of the guidelines for the management of patients with NTDT, based on the best available evidence.
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13
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Cappellini MD, Viprakasit V, Taher AT. An overview of current treatment strategies for β-thalassemia. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2014. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2014.918503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Taher AT, Musallam KM, Viprakasit V, Porter JB, Cappellini MD. Iron chelation therapy for non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT): A status quo. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2014; 52:88-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Taher AT, Temraz S, Cappellini MD. Deferasirox for the treatment of iron overload in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2013; 6:495-509. [PMID: 24083402 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2013.827411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) defines a group of patients who do not require regular transfusions for survival, but are at significant risk of iron accumulation from underlying disease-related mechanisms distinct from transfusional iron overload. Management of iron overload in NTDT has received little attention compared with that of β-thalassemia major, despite evidence of significant iron-induced complications with advancing age. The efficacy and safety of the iron chelator deferasirox in NTDT has been evaluated in two pilot studies and the first prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study (THALASSA) of any chelator in NTDT. Treatment with deferasirox for up to 2 years yielded a sustained reduction in iron burden, with a clinically manageable safety profile. Following these trial data, deferasirox is the first iron chelator approved for use in NTDT patients, and with NTDT guidelines now available, physicians are better equipped to achieve effective monitoring and management of iron burden in NTDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon
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16
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Taher AT, Porter JB, Viprakasit V, Kattamis A, Chuncharunee S, Sutcharitchan P, Siritanaratkul N, Galanello R, Karakas Z, Lawniczek T, Habr D, Ros J, Zhu Z, Cappellini MD. Deferasirox effectively reduces iron overload in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients: 1-year extension results from the THALASSA study. Ann Hematol 2013; 92:1485-93. [PMID: 23775581 PMCID: PMC3790249 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-013-1808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) often develop iron overload that requires chelation to levels below the threshold associated with complications. This can take several years in patients with high iron burden, highlighting the value of long-term chelation data. Here, we report the 1-year extension of the THALASSA trial assessing deferasirox in NTDT; patients continued with deferasirox or crossed from placebo to deferasirox. Of 133 patients entering extension, 130 completed. Liver iron concentration (LIC) continued to decrease with deferasirox over 2 years; mean change was −7.14 mg Fe/g dry weight (dw) (mean dose 9.8 ± 3.6 mg/kg/day). In patients originally randomized to placebo, whose LIC had increased by the end of the core study, LIC decreased in the extension with deferasirox with a mean change of −6.66 mg Fe/g dw (baseline to month 24; mean dose in extension 13.7 ± 4.6 mg/kg/day). Of 166 patients enrolled, 64 (38.6 %) and 24 (14.5 %) patients achieved LIC <5 and <3 mg Fe/g dw by the end of the study, respectively. Mean LIC reduction was greatest in patients with the highest pretreatment LIC. Deferasirox progressively decreases iron overload over 2 years in NTDT patients with both low and high LIC. Safety profile of deferasirox over 2 years was consistent with that in the core study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon,
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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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Deferasirox reduces iron overload significantly in nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia: 1-year results from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Blood 2012; 120:970-7. [PMID: 22589472 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-02-412692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients may develop iron overload and its associated complications despite receiving only occasional or no transfusions. The present 1-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled THALASSA (Assessment of Exjade in Nontransfusion-Dependent Thalassemia) trial assessed the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in iron-overloaded NTDT patients. A total of 166 patients were randomized in a 2:1:2:1 ratio to starting doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg/d of deferasirox or placebo. The means ± SD of the actual deferasirox doses received over the duration of the study in the 5 and 10 mg/kg/d starting dose cohorts were 5.7 ± 1.4 and 11.5 ± 2.9 mg/kg/d, respectively. At 1 year, the liver iron concentration (LIC) decreased significantly compared with placebo (least-squares mean [LSM] ± SEM, -2.33 ± 0.7 mg Fe/g dry weight [dw], P = .001, and -4.18 ± 0.69 mg Fe/g dw, P < .001) for the 5 and 10 mg/kg/d deferasirox groups, respectively (baseline values [means ± SD], 13.11 ± 7.29 and 14.56 ± 7.92 mg Fe/g dw, respectively). Similarly, serum ferritin decreased significantly compared with placebo by LSM -235 and -337 ng/mL for the deferasirox 5 and 10 mg/kg/d groups, respectively (P < .001). In the placebo patients, LIC and serum ferritin increased from baseline by 0.38 mg Fe/g dw and 115 ng/mL (LSM), respectively. The most common drug-related adverse events were nausea (n = 11; 6.6%), rash (n = 8; 4.8%), and diarrhea (n = 6; 3.6%). This is the first randomized study showing that iron chelation with deferasirox significantly reduces iron overload in NTDT patients with a frequency of overall adverse events similar to placebo.
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Kwiatkowski JL. Management of transfusional iron overload - differential properties and efficacy of iron chelating agents. J Blood Med 2011; 2:135-49. [PMID: 22287873 PMCID: PMC3262345 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Regular red cell transfusion therapy ameliorates disease-related morbidity and can be lifesaving in patients with various hematological disorders. Transfusion therapy, however, causes progressive iron loading, which, if untreated, results in endocrinopathies, cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure, hepatic fibrosis, and premature death. Iron chelation therapy is used to prevent iron loading, remove excess accumulated iron, detoxify iron, and reverse some of the iron-related complications. Three chelators have undergone extensive testing to date: deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone (although the latter drug is not currently licensed for use in North America where it is available only through compassionate use programs and research protocols). These chelators differ in their modes of administration, pharmacokinetics, efficacy with regard to organ-specific iron removal, and adverse-effect profiles. These differential properties influence acceptability, tolerability and adherence to therapy, and, ultimately, the effectiveness of treatment. Chelation therapy, therefore, must be individualized, taking into account patient preferences, toxicities, ongoing transfusional iron intake, and the degree of cardiac and hepatic iron loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet L Kwiatkowski
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Hematology and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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