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

doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2411001

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (4) : 377-388. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2411001

STANDARD·PROTOCOL·GUIDELINE

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

Committee of Thalassemia Prevention and Treatment, China Maternal and Child Health Association; Subspecialty Group of Hematology, Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association; China Thalassemia Prevention and Control Collaboration Network; Editorial Board of Chinese Journal

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Abstract

Iron overload is a major complication of thalassemia, clinically manifested as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, growth and development retardation, and delayed sexual development, with severe cases leading to death. Standardized iron chelation therapy is essential to ensure long-term and high-quality survival for patients. This guideline provides recommendations on methods for detecting iron overload, the timing for initiating iron chelation therapy, treatment strategies for transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia, and special circumstances regarding iron chelation therapy, serving as a reference for iron chelation treatment in thalassemia.

Key words

Thalassemia / Iron overload / Iron chelation therapy / Guideline

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Committee of Thalassemia Prevention and Treatment, China Maternal and Child Health Association; Subspecialty Group of Hematology, Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association; China Thalassemia Prevention and Control Collaboration Network; Editorial Board of Chinese Journal. Guidelines for iron chelation therapy in thalassemia in China (2025)[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2025, 27(4): 377-388 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2411001

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