Resumo

VIZCAINO, Gilberto et al. The burden of iron overload in sickle cell disease: insights from South Carolina, USA. Invest. clín [online]. 2025, vol.66, n.4, pp.378-389.  Epub 16-Dez-2025. ISSN 0535-5133.  https://doi.org/10.54817/ic.v66n4a03.

Red blood cell transfusions can lead to iron overload (IO) in sickle cell disease (SCD). We aimed to determine the relationship between SCD patients with IO and SCD comorbidities. Iron chelation regimen for IO in SCD patients was also studied. A cohort of 245 SCD adult patients receiving care at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) was studied. Information was obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed to examine correlations and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We identified 85 (34.7%) participants who met IO criteria. The results showed a significant association of IO with stroke (OR= 14.67, p= 0.0001), pulmonary hypertension (OR= 4.75, p= 0.0006), acute chest syndrome (OR= 2.46, p= 0.003), and deep vein thrombosis (OR= 1.84, p= 0.04). There was a strong correlation between liver iron concentration (LIC) and ferritin levels (r= 0.5148, p<0.0001). Liver enzymes correlated well with LIC and ferritin levels. Eighty-six percent of participants (74/85) were on chelation therapy, but only 19% of them achieved a good response to the treatment. One-third of SCD individuals developed IO, associated with several comorbidities. Comprehensive measures must include periodic determinations of LIC and ferritin, followed by appropriate chelation therapy to prevent organ damage.

Palavras-chave : Anemia; Sickle Cell; Iron Overload; Liver Iron Concentration; Ferritin; Liver Function Tests; Chelation Therapy.

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