Chelation therapy in patients with thalassemia using the orally active iron chelator deferiprone (L1)

Citation
Y. Rombos et al., Chelation therapy in patients with thalassemia using the orally active iron chelator deferiprone (L1), HAEMATOLOG, 85(2), 2000, pp. 115-117
Citations number
8
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Journal title
HAEMATOLOGICA
ISSN journal
03906078 → ACNP
Volume
85
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
115 - 117
Database
ISI
SICI code
0390-6078(200002)85:2<115:CTIPWT>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
Background and Objectives. Excessive hemosiderosis is the main reason for t he multi-organ failure observed in multitransfused patients. Deferiprone (1 ,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-pyridine-4-one, L1) is an orally active Iron chelator mainly excreted via urine. We conducted a study in order to determine the efficacy and safety of L1 in Greek thalassemic patients. Design and Methods. A group of 11 thalassaemic patients entered the study; L1, the Cipla formulation for deferiprone, at a daily dose of 75-100 mg/kg bw t.i.d, was used. After giving informed consent all patients were subject ed to clinical examination and biological tests. Results. All patients tolerated the L1 well; there were no significant side effects (except for slight gastrointestinal disturbances for the first day s). The net urinary iron excretion ranged from 6.96 to 26.1 mg/24h. Serum f erritin declined within 46 months in most of the patients. Interpretation and Conclusions. The results suggest that L1 is a rather saf e drug which decreases iron overload without causing any considerable side- effects in Greek thalassemics. (C) 2000, Ferrata Storti Foundation.