Deferiprone, iron overload in a renal transplant patient

Abstract

### Learning Point for Clinicians Iron overload in kidney transplant patients is uncommon and there is little experience of use of chelator therapy. This case suggests that deferiprone was safe and effective in reducing ferritin levels and removing cardiac iron with no short term detriment to transplant function. Deferiprone may offer renoprotection to excessive iron. Regular red blood cell transfusion is the mainstay of treatment in patients with symptomatic refractory anaemia. Repeated transfusions result in accumulation of iron in the heart, liver and pancreas which lead to the production of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to cellular dysfunction, and in the longer term to cell necrosis and apoptosis.1 Iron chelation therapy reduces this tissue iron deposition. Three iron chelating agents are available. Parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) deferoxamine reduces myocardial and liver iron concentrations and is excreted mainly by …