Transfusion related iron overload in pediatric oncology patients treated at a tertiary care centre and treatment with chelation therapy

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2014 Dec;61(12):2319-20. doi: 10.1002/pbc.25189. Epub 2014 Aug 23.

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective chart review to determine prevalence of, risk factors for, and liver toxicity associated with Transfusion Related Iron Overload (TRIO) in pediatric cancer patients, and report our experience with Iron Chelation Therapy (ICT). Total number of transfusions was identified as the major risk factor, with a prevalence of 37% in patients receiving ≥10 transfusions. Four patients with TRIO and abnormal liver function tests (LFT) received ICT. Significant decrease in serum ferritin and improvement in LFT were observed, with no serious adverse effects from ICT noted. Guidelines for screening and treatment of TRIO in pediatric oncology are needed.

Keywords: hyperferritinemia; transfusion related iron overload.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Chelation Therapy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Iron Overload / drug therapy*
  • Iron Overload / etiology
  • Leukemia / complications*
  • Leukemia / therapy
  • Lymphoma / complications*
  • Lymphoma / therapy
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Transfusion Reaction*

Substances

  • Iron Chelating Agents