Worldwide survey of T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance in Thalassaemia
2011

Global Survey of Heart Iron Levels in Thalassaemia Patients

Sample size: 3376 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Carpenter John-Paul, He Taigang, Kirk Paul, Anderson Lisa, Porter John B, Walker Malcolm, Galanello Renzo, Danjou Fabrice, Forni Gianluca, Kattamis Antonis, Ladis Vassilis, Drossou Marouso, Vini Demetra, Michos Andreas, Perifanis Vassilios, Hazirolan Tuncay, Almeida Ana, Aydinok Yesim, Rangelova Mirella, El-Beshlawy Amal, Elalfy Mohsen, Alnasser Ibrahim, Daar Shahina, Fernandes Juliano de Lara, Pennell Dudley J

Hypothesis

What is the burden of myocardial siderosis in thalassaemia patients across different populations?

Conclusion

Many thalassaemia patients have moderate to severe cardiac iron loading, which is linked to heart failure and death.

Supporting Evidence

  • 57.5% of patients had no significant iron loading.
  • 22.6% had moderate cardiac iron levels.
  • 19.9% had severe cardiac iron levels.
  • 3.3% of patients had confirmed heart failure at the first scan.
  • 92.0% of patients who developed heart failure had low T2* values.

Takeaway

This study looked at heart iron levels in thalassaemia patients around the world and found that many have too much iron, which can make them very sick.

Methodology

Data from 34 centers were analyzed for myocardial T2* values and clinical outcomes in 3376 patients.

Limitations

The study may not represent all thalassaemia patients globally due to varying access to care.

Participant Demographics

Patients from Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, North Africa, Australia, and Asia.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1532-429X-13-S1-O15

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