Abstract
Thalassemic syndromes are the most common genetic diseases in the world that are related to blood transfusion and iron overload in the body. In ß-thalassemia major multiple blood transfusions due to ineffective erythropoiesis lead to iron excess in the body. Iron chelating agent deferoxamine is used to treat chronic iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia in an attempt to reduce morbidity and mortality related to deposition of excess iron in body tissue. However, a very short half-time, the need of repetitive injections and non-specialized distribution in tissues can lead to side effects, such as ophthalmic and renal complications, neurological, skeletal changes and hearing loss, headaches, and infection too. Patients should be monitored periodically for complications. The risk of toxic effects in doses of more than 50 mg/kg/d is higher. Keeping deferoxamine therapeutic index can avoid drug overdose and side effects.
Highlights
Thalassemic syndromes are the most common genetic diseases in the world that are related to blood transfusion and iron overload in the body
Beta-thalassemia major is a homozygous form of β-thalassemia and is a chronic microcytic anemia caused by a mutation in the beta-globulin gene which leads to a deficit in hemoglobin production, early destruction of red blood cells and frequently blood transfusion and increased iron load in patients
According to the high prevalence of ß-thalassemia major in Iran and the importance of early detection of therapeutic-related complications, we studied and collected the most important side effects of deferoxamine to suggest a good model for the colleagues in treatment
Summary
Thalassemic syndromes are the most common genetic diseases in the world that are related to blood transfusion and iron overload in the body. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: Deferoxamine is used to treat chronic iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia. Short half-time of deferoxamine and the need of repetitive injections can lead to side effects.
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