Iron chelation therapy in sickle cell disease.
Iron chelation therapy with deferoxamine enhances iron excretion and removes excessive tissue iron in regularly transfused patients with sickle cell disease. Long-term studies of deferoxamine in other hemoglobinopathies demonstrate that regular chelation therapy also reduces iron-related organ damage and mortality. Careful design of chelation regimens and attention to compliance are critical elements of successful therapy. The role of new chelators in sickle cell disease is currently under Investigation.
Cohen
A R
AR
Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Martin
M B
MB
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015913:Chelation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000592:standards
D007502:Iron Chelating Agents; D007501:Iron