Iron-chelating therapy for transfusional iron overload

N Engl J Med. 2011 Jan 13;364(2):146-56. doi: 10.1056/NEJMct1004810.

Abstract

A 16-year-old boy with sickle cell anemia undergoes routine screening with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography to assess the risk of stroke. This examination shows an abnormally elevated blood-flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery. The hemoglobin level is 7.2 g per deciliter, the reticulocyte count is 12.5%, and the fetal hemoglobin level is 8.0%. Long-term treatment with red-cell transfusion is initiated to prevent stroke. A hematologist recommends prophylactic iron-chelating therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / therapy
  • Benzoates / therapeutic use
  • Chelation Therapy*
  • Deferasirox
  • Deferoxamine / therapeutic use
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Iron Chelating Agents / administration & dosage
  • Iron Chelating Agents / adverse effects
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Iron Overload / drug therapy*
  • Iron Overload / etiology
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Triazoles
  • Iron
  • Deferoxamine
  • Deferasirox