Current status of iron overload and chelation with deferasirox.
A large number of complications in thalassemia major are due mainly to iron overload. Deferoxamine in iron-overloaded patients has established that chelation therapy, when given at an adequate dose, reduces iron-related complications. Parenteral administration and the daily nuisance of an infusion pump hinder the optimal compliance. Deferiprone is moderately effective oral iron chelator. Arthralgia and cytopenias constitute the main side effects. Deferasirox is a new orally effective iron chelator which has been shown to be non-inferior to deferoxamine in clinical trials. Further clinical trials especially in Indian children will tell if it stands the test of time.
Choudhry
V P
VP
Department of Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. vedpchoudhry@yahoo.co.in
Naithani
Rahul
R
D001565:Benzoates / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000077588:Deferasirox; D003676:Deferoxamine / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014230:Triazoles / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000188:drug therapy*