Outcomes among patients with thalassemia major and asymptomatic LV impairment treated with intensive DFO therapy
Characteristic . | Subcutaneous n = 21 (range) . | Intravenous n = 13 (range) . |
|---|---|---|
| Median age at first MUGA, y | 18 (9-27) | 18 (13-24) |
| Median follow-up, y | 12 (3-20) | 11 (5-18) |
| Median age at start of chelation therapy, y | 13 (2-24) | 9 (2-18) |
| Mean (±SD) baseline LVEF, % | 55 ± 10 | 54 ± 12 |
| Mean (±SD) LVEF before intensification, % | 43 ± 6 | 41 ± 5 |
| Mean (±SD) maximum LVEF after intensification, % | 57 ± 7 | 55 ± 4 |
| No. patients alive | 17 | 10 |
| No. patients dead | 4 | 3 |
Characteristic . | Subcutaneous n = 21 (range) . | Intravenous n = 13 (range) . |
|---|---|---|
| Median age at first MUGA, y | 18 (9-27) | 18 (13-24) |
| Median follow-up, y | 12 (3-20) | 11 (5-18) |
| Median age at start of chelation therapy, y | 13 (2-24) | 9 (2-18) |
| Mean (±SD) baseline LVEF, % | 55 ± 10 | 54 ± 12 |
| Mean (±SD) LVEF before intensification, % | 43 ± 6 | 41 ± 5 |
| Mean (±SD) maximum LVEF after intensification, % | 57 ± 7 | 55 ± 4 |
| No. patients alive | 17 | 10 |
| No. patients dead | 4 | 3 |
Outcomes among patients with asymptomatic LV impairment are shown in 34 patients receiving intravenous DFO intensification (n = 13) and in those receiving subcutaneous DFO intensification (n = 21). There were no significant differences in outcome between subcutaneous and intravenous regimens, but patients at higher risk generally received intravenous treatment. There was a decrease in LVEF from baseline before the start of DFO intensification (P < .0001). After intensification, maximum LVEF values were significantly higher than before intensification in patients treated by subcutaneous and intravenous DFO (P < .0001).