Desferrioxamine induced urinary iron excretion in thalassemia

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A P Dubey1, S Kumar, P Choudhury

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.

Indian Pediatrics
|June 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

This study on children with beta thalassemia major found that serum ferritin levels correlate with blood transfusions and iron excretion after desferrioxamine treatment. Many children achieved a negative iron balance with this therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Iron Chelation Therapy
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Beta thalassemia major requires regular blood transfusions, leading to iron overload.
  • Iron overload in beta thalassemia major can cause significant organ damage.
  • Effective iron chelation therapy is crucial for managing patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and iron excretion in children with beta thalassemia major undergoing desferrioxamine therapy.
  • To assess the efficacy of subcutaneous desferrioxamine in achieving a negative iron balance.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-one children (2-14 years) with beta thalassemia major on regular transfusions received subcutaneous desferrioxamine.
  • Measurements included serum ferritin, baseline 24-hour urinary iron excretion, and desferrioxamine-induced urinary iron excretion.

Main Results:

  • A strong correlation was observed between serum ferritin levels and the total amount of blood transfusions received.
  • Serum ferritin showed a good correlation with desferrioxamine-induced urinary iron excretion.
  • Fifteen out of 21 children achieved a negative iron balance after a single dose of desferrioxamine.

Conclusions:

  • Subcutaneous desferrioxamine therapy is effective in reducing iron overload in children with beta thalassemia major.
  • Serum ferritin is a reliable indicator of iron burden and treatment response.
  • Desferrioxamine therapy can help achieve a negative iron balance, mitigating complications of iron overload.

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