Iron‐related MRI images in patients with pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) treated with deferiprone: Results of a phase II pilot trial

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of the oral iron-chelating agent deferiprone on magnetic resonance pallida iron concentration and on clinical status were investigated in 10 patients affected by pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. METHODS: Nine patients (age range, 7-39 years) completed the study. RESULTS: A significant median reduction in globus pallidus iron content as assessed by T2* relaxometry (and calculated R2* maps; P=.008) was observed at the end of the study. None of the patients demonstrated a change in clinical status as assessed by the Burke-Fahn and Marsden Dystonia Rating scales and by a health-related quality-of-life scale. Deferiprone was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Future trials assessing the clinical efficacy of chelating therapy should consider early symptomatic patients and a longer treatment period.