[Severe ocular toxicity of desferrioxamine in the hemodialyzed patient]

Severe and persistent visual loss with retinitis pigmentosa occurred in a hemodialyzed patient, treated with desferrioxamine (DFO) for aluminium intoxication, with a total DFO dose of 18 g given over 9 weeks. Cases reported since 1983 are reviewed, and hypothesis and risk factors for DFO toxicity are discussed. Caution should be exercised in using DFO in hemodialyzed patients.