[Diagnosis and therapy of iron overload with desferrioxamine]

In polytransfused patients the diagnostics of the iron overload belongs to the strategic programme of the treatment. It is particularly referred to the value of the desferal test. In the therapy of the transfusion haemosiderosis desferrioxamine is the remedy of choice. Its at present most favourable form of application is the subcutaneous infusion by means of the infusion group. A success of the treatment is only to be guaranteed, when the therapy is consequently performed over years under balancing the iron supply and excretion.