Clinical Trial: Iron Overload in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Evaluation of Iron Overload in Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate for iron overload in pediatric oncology and transplant patients who have completed their treatment between one to ten years ago.

Detailed Summary: Long term survivors of childhood cancer, are a distinct group requiring specific follow-up in order to enhance their quality of life. Studies have shown that many of these patients will go on to develop chronic issues within different organ systems. Because of the iron burden of the frequent transfusions required to care for these patients, iron overload may indeed be one of the problems these survivors potentially face. Research primarily in thalassemia and bone marrow transplant patients who were extensively transfused has shown that iron overload can have a significant impact on their overall health. Complications from increased iron burden can include growth retardation, gonadal dysfunction, hypothyroidism, impaired glucose metabolism, cardiac arrhythmias and failure, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, and increased susceptibility to infections. However all of these conditions related to iron overload can be prevented with the use of either phlebotomy or chelation therapy. Based on this knowledge, our objective is to determine if pediatric oncology and transplant patients heavily supported with transfusions develop consequential biochemical and clinical evidence of iron overload.
Sponsor: Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

Current Primary Outcome: Prevalence of iron overload in pediatric oncology and transplant patients post-treatment. [ Time Frame: 1-10 years ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

Dates:
Date Received: December 16, 2009
Date Started: October 2009
Date Completion: April 2011
Last Updated: December 16, 2009
Last Verified: December 2009