Prevalence of anemia among chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated
with Imatinib: A evidence based meta-analysis.
Abstract
Aim- Imatinib is one of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for the
treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The exact
association of imatinib with anemia in CML patients is still unclear.
The current study aimed to find the prevalence of anemia in chronic
myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib. Methods- The relevant
articles were searched in PubMed, Google scholar, and Clinical trials
registries till 31st January 2021. The quality of the articles was
assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The prevalence rate with 95%
C. I was calculated using StatsDirect Statistical analysis software V.3.
Results A total of 18 studies containing 3,537 patients (male-1912 and
female-1478) were found relevant for the analysis. The pooled prevalence
of anemia in CML was found to be 34% (95% CI: 23%-46%). However, the
heterogeneity among studies was found to be high. Conclusion: The
physician should also take care of anemia while treating CML patients
with imatinib. Anemia is a major concern associated with CML patients
treated with Imatinib.