Long-term administration of high-dose deferoxamine 2 days per week in thalassemic patients

Eur J Haematol. 2001 Oct;67(4):230-1. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2001.00386.x.

Abstract

Objective: Compliance with parenteral administration of deferoxamine is often poor in thalassemic patients with iron overload. We tested the efficacy and tolerance of the drug at high dosage 2 d per week for 24 months in two adult thalassemic patients with permanently high serum ferritin using a portable pump and an implanted chamber.

Methods: Deferoxamine was administered using a pressure-operated portable pump through an implanted chamber. The patients were infused over 48 h every week with 198 mg/kg/d (patient 1) and 170 mg/kg/d (patient 2). Serum ferritin levels were measured at regular intervals.

Results: Serum ferritin decreased progressively from 2967 to 457 microg/L in patient 1 and from 6476 to 1951 microg/L in patient 2. Compliance and tolerance to treatment were excellent in the two patients.

Conclusion: Intravenous administration of high-dose deferoxamine over 48 h per week using a portable pump and implanted chamber improved compliance in two thalassemic adult patients, resulting in a significant decrease in iron overload. We suggest that high-dose chelation therapy should be assessed in selected groups of iron-overload thalassemic patients receiving regular blood transfusions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chelating Agents / administration & dosage
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chelation Therapy* / methods
  • Deferoxamine / administration & dosage
  • Deferoxamine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Ferritins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Iron
  • Iron Overload / drug therapy*
  • Iron Overload / etiology
  • Male
  • Thalassemia / therapy*
  • Transfusion Reaction
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Ferritins
  • Iron
  • Deferoxamine