SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THALIDOMIDE IN TRANSFUSION-DEPENDENT β-THALASSEMIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE: The current meta-analysis was carried out to identify the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) patients. METHODS: Six databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE were searched until November 18, 2021, for studies that assessed TDT patients by using following search terms: “Thalidomide”, “thalidomid”, “thalomid”, “N-phthaloylglutamimide”, Thalassemia” Boolean or wildcard operators. Original research publications English with observational and/or experimental designs having a sample size ≥10, regardless age gender, used ≥3 months exploring impact ameliorating transfusion needs among included this meta-analysis. Data independently extracted two reviewers data extraction form. National Institutes Health tool quality assessment. RESULTS: Nine collectively involving 407 fulfilled eligibility criteria. Thalidomide associated complete cessation blood requirements an overall response 54% (95% CI, 34–75%) transfusion-independent state; heterogeneity considered high I2 94.7%, p-value<0.001. Mild adverse events reported 44% CONCLUSION: is well-tolerated, effective safe drug patients, these findings, however, should be confirmed through well-designed clinical trials. PROSPERO Review registration number: CRD42021289950.