[Guidelines for iron chelation therapy in thalassemia in China (2025)]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Guidelines

Background:

• Iron overload is a serious complication of thalassemia.
• It leads to severe organ damage, including heart failure and liver cirrhosis.
• Effective iron chelation therapy is crucial for patient survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide recommendations for managing iron overload in thalassemia.
• To guide the detection and treatment of iron overload.
• To offer a reference for iron chelation therapy strategies.

Main Methods:

• Development of clinical guidelines based on current evidence.
• Recommendations cover iron overload detection methods.
• Strategies for initiating and managing iron chelation therapy are outlined.

Main Results:

• The guideline details methods for detecting iron overload.
• It specifies the timing for initiating iron chelation therapy.
• Treatment strategies are provided for different thalassemia types and special circumstances.

Conclusions:

• Standardized iron chelation therapy is essential for thalassemia patients.
• This guideline serves as a vital reference for optimal iron overload management.
• Adherence to recommendations can improve long-term survival and quality of life.