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

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #deferiprone #parkinson-disease #iron-chelating-agents #iron

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

Negida et al., 2024 | CNS Neurosci Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

Negida Ahmed, Hassan Nafisa M, ... Berman Brian. Efficacy of the iron-chelating agent, deferiprone, in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2024-Feb;30(2):e14607. doi:10.1111/cns.14607

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Several 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. METHODS: A 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). RESULTS: Three 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). CONCLUSION: Current 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.

Key Findings

Three 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).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pd
Sample Size 431
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Deferiprone
  • Parkinson Disease
  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Iron
  • Substantia Nigra

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09