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Results from a study in the US and UK indicate that infused Iron Chelation Therapy (ICT) negatively impacts patient satisfaction which is a determinant of adherence to ICT regimens; findings point to a need to use more convenient and less burdensome oral therapy to increase adherence, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

This study, to be published in Value in Health, assessed patient satisfaction with ICT in the US and UK based on a reliable and valid instrument, and explored the relationship between satisfaction and adherence to ICT.

Psychometric analysis demonstrated that the new satisfaction instrument is a reliable and valid instrument for use in iron-overloaded patients. Results using the new instrument showed that patients treated with oral ICT were more satisfied with acceptance, burden, and side effects of ICT than patients who had infused ICT. Findings also showed that patient's age and level of satisfaction were linked with adherence to ICT regimens.

Diana Rofail from Mapi Values commented, "The new satisfaction instrument for patients receiving ICT is reliable and valid, and is a valuable tool that can be implemented into various studies of ICT. It has consistently demonstrated the benefits of oral therapy compared to infused therapy from the patients' perspective."

Blood transfusions are an essential part of therapy in the treatment of many patients with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and myelodysplastic syndromes. One consequence of regular blood transfusions is excess iron intake, which can not be excreted naturally from the body, and accumulates (hemosiderins) in insoluble ferritin complexes deposited mainly in the liver, spleen, a number of endocrine organs, and the myocardium. This leads to tissue damage and fibrosis. Without treatment for iron overload, patients may not survive, and cardiac complications are usually the main cause of death.

Value in Health (ISSN 1098-3015) publishes papers, concepts, and ideas that advance the field of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research and help health care leaders to make decisions that are solidly evidence-based. The journal is published bi-monthly and has a regular readership of over 3,000 clinicians, decision-makers, and researchers worldwide.

ISPOR is a nonprofit, international organization that strives to translate pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research into practice to ensure that society allocates scarce health care resources wisely, fairly, and efficiently.

Value in Health Volume 12 Issue 1 - January/February 2009
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