Green tea influence on iron overload in thalassemia intermedia patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Although iron chelation therapies have been available for many years for thalassemia intermedia patients, iron accumulation remains the major cause of death. Therefore, the need for additional chelation options is in demand. This randomized controlled study aimed to understand the effects of green tea on iron balance in thalassemia intermedia patients. Methods: Using a random selection method, 141 thalassemia intermedia patients were initially screened for inclusion in this trial; only 68 patients included after applying exclusion criteria. Two equal groups were generated (n=34/group): green tea (three cups/day after meals) + usual treatment (deferasirox iron chelator and on demand blood transfusion); and control (only usual treatment). The study lasted for a period of 12 months. Patients failing to comply to the trial methodology were excluded, leaving a final total of 29 patients in the green tea group and 28 patients in the control group. Liver iron concentration, and serum ferritin were assessed at baseline and 12 months, while hemoglobin levels were assessed monthly. Results: At baseline, both groups were matched regarding general demographics. At 12 months, the net drop of liver iron concentration in the green tea group (7.3 mg Fe/g dry weight) was significantly higher than the control group (4.6 mg Fe/g dry weight) (p<0.05). This was also seen with serum ferritin; net reduction in green tea and control groups were 1289 ng/ml and 871 ng/ml, respectively (p<0.05). Hemoglobin levels were slightly higher in the green tea group compared with the control group, but this was not significant. Conclusions: Regular green tea consumption had a significant capability to improve iron deposition in thalassemia intermedia patients who already undergo deferesirox iron chelation therapy. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000040841 (retrospectively registered June 21, 2020).

Mild bleeding disorders: what every clinician should know

Patients with mild bleeding disorders are under-recognized and frequently present to general physicians. The underlying reasons for bleeding are multifactorial. There is little evidence to guide diagnostic and management decision making in patients with mild bleeding disorders. This article outlines different types of mild bleeding disorders, with a particular focus on bleeding associated with low levels of von Willebrand factor and mild platelet defects. It gives practical, evidence-based advice on the investigation and management of patients with a suspected or known mild bleeding disorder, considering the scenarios of an acute bleed, stable outpatient, peri-surgical management and thrombosis. Patients with a mild bleeding disorder have variable bleeding because of the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The clinical history remains of utmost importance in their general management. Liaison with a specialist centre, multidisciplinary assessment and a careful judgement of the balance of risk in each individual circumstance is required to safely manage these patients.