Impact of chelator treatment on post-transfusion hemochromatosis in thalassemic patients under Deferasirox

Abstract

The management of beta thalassemia may require periodic blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. This study is a descriptive retrospective analysis of clinical, biological, and therapeutic parameters to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of chelation therapy in managing post-transfusional hemochromatosis in 26 β-thalassemia patients treated at the Hussein Dey University Hospital Center in Algiers, Algeria. The results of this study show a certain correlation between the doses of iron chelators taken and the improvement in ferritin levels and creatinine clearance, which is indicative of a reduction in renal function impairment. Five profiles were identified based on this relationship. The study also found that all patients had normal kidney function, but there was a tendency towards a decrease in creatinine clearance, necessitating continuous monitoring. It is important to note that even with careful monitoring, complications of thalassemia may occur gradually and at a late onset. This study highlights the need to integrate pharmaceutical practices and introduce the concept of clinical pharmacy to improve adherence to long-term chelation therapy and ultimately enhance survival in children with major thalassemia.