Management of liver disease in thalassemia: main drug targets for a correct therapy

Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord. 2005 Dec;5(4):373-8. doi: 10.2174/156800805774912917.

Abstract

Liver disease is the second cause of mortality in thalassemia major. We present a review on the hepatic damage in thalassemic patients aimed at a knowledge of current preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, useful to guide in clinical judgment and treatment decisions. Transfusion related iron overload and hepatitis are the causes of liver damage in thalassemic patients. We examined means of primary prevention, anti-hepatitis vaccinations, blood donors screening; diagnostic tests for secondary prevention (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, super conducting quantum interference device and biopsy) were also discussed about. A survey of treatment methods and strategies ( chelation therapy, antiviral treatments and liver and bone marrow transplantation) follows.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / virology
  • Humans
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Iron Overload / drug therapy*
  • Iron Overload / etiology
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Thalassemia / complications*
  • Thalassemia / therapy
  • Transfusion Reaction
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines