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International Journal of Hematology
Published in: International Journal of Hematology 4/2009

01-11-2009 | Review Article

Iron chelation therapy in the management of thalassemia: the Asian perspectives

Authors: Vip Viprakasit, Chan Lee-Lee, Quah Thuan Chong, Kai-Hsin Lin, Archrob Khuhapinant

Published in: International Journal of Hematology | Issue 4/2009

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Abstract

Worldwide, thalassemia is the most commonly inherited hemolytic anemia, and it is most prevalent in Asia and the Middle East. Iron overload represents a significant problem in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Chelation therapy with deferoxamine has traditionally been the standard therapeutic option but its usage is tempered by suboptimal patient compliance due to the discomfort and demands associated with the administration regimen. Therefore, a great deal of attention has been focused on the development of oral chelating agents. Deferiprone, even though available for nearly two decades in Asia with recent encouraging data on cardiac iron removal and long-term efficacy, has serious adverse effects including agranulocytosis and neutropenia which has impeded it from routine clinical practice. A novel oral chelator; deferasirox is effective throughout a 24 h dosing period and both preclinical and clinical data indicate that it successfully removes both hepatic and cardiac iron. In Asia, optimal management of severe thalassemia patients and the availability and access to oral iron chelators still presents a major challenge in many countries. In this regard, the development and implementation of consensus guidelines for management of Asian patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia will be a major step towards improving and maintaining the continuity of patient care.
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Metadata
Title
Iron chelation therapy in the management of thalassemia: the Asian perspectives
Authors
Vip Viprakasit
Chan Lee-Lee
Quah Thuan Chong
Kai-Hsin Lin
Archrob Khuhapinant
Publication date
01-11-2009
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
International Journal of Hematology / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 0925-5710
Electronic ISSN: 1865-3774
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-009-0432-0

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