Amlodipine Use in the Prevention and Treatment of Iron Overload in Patients With Thalassemia Major
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study aims to investigate the use of amlodipine, a drug that blocks the uptake of
calcium into cells, in the prevention and treatment of iron overload in patients with
thalassemia major. Since iron uses the same calcium channels to enter the heart, pancreas and
other organs, blocking these channels might help to prevent the accumulation of iron in these
tissues. The study will follow 10 patients with thalassemia major: 5 will openly receive
amlodipine and 5 will serve as controls, not receiving any additional drugs. Patients will be
monitored through one year with an additional year of follow up after the group using
amlodipine stops its use. Monitoring will occur through the measurement of blood ferritin as
well as live and heart T2* by MRI.
Phase:
Phase 2/Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Campinas, Brazil
Collaborator:
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo