Reversible Fanconi syndrome in a pediatric patient on deferasirox

Michelle N Rheault1, Heather Bechtel, Joseph P Neglia

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. rheau002@umn.edu

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|February 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Deferasirox can cause kidney problems, including reversible Fanconi syndrome, in patients with iron overload. Regular monitoring of kidney and proximal tubule function is recommended during deferasirox therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric Hematology

Background:

  • Deferasirox is an oral iron chelator used for transfusional iron overload.
  • Common side effects include increased serum creatinine, but proximal tubule effects are less understood.

Observation:

  • A pediatric case of reversible Fanconi syndrome linked to long-term deferasirox use.
  • Another patient experienced mild proximal tubular dysfunction.

Findings:

  • Deferasirox therapy may be associated with proximal tubule dysfunction.
  • Fanconi syndrome is a potential, reversible adverse effect.

Implications:

  • Periodic monitoring of renal and proximal tubule function is crucial for patients on deferasirox.
  • Early detection of tubular dysfunction can guide treatment adjustments.
  • This highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance for iron chelators.

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