Efficacy of the iron-chelating agent, deferiprone, in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSeveral studies have reported iron accumulation in the basal ganglia to be associated with the development of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Recently, a few trials have examined the efficacy of using the iron-chelating agent Deferiprone (DFP) for patients with PD. We conducted this meta-analysis to summarize and synthesize evidence from published randomized controlled trials about the efficacy of DFP for PD patients.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of four electronic databases was performed, spanning until February 2023. Relevant RCTs were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed using the RevMan software. The primary outcome was the change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III).ResultsThree RCTs with 431 patients were included in this analysis. DFP did not significantly improve UPDRS-III score compared to placebo (Standardized mean difference -0.06, 95% CI [-0.69, 0.58], low certainty evidence). However, it significantly reduced iron accumulation in the substantia nigra, putamen, and caudate as measured by T2*-weighted MRI (with high certainty evidence).ConclusionCurrent evidence does not support the use of DFP in PD patients. Future disease-modification trials with better population selection, adjustment for concomitant medications, and long-term follow up are recommended. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of Deferiprone compared to placebo in Parkinson's Disease patients. Current evidence showed that compared to placebo, deferiprone was not effective in improving motor functions or reducing iron deposition in brain as evident by MRI and serum ferritin.image