DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i12.081

Pages: 5237-5242

Background: Thalassemia major is a chronic blood disorder that necessitates lifelong blood transfusions, resulting in significant iron overload, which can lead to organ toxicity. Intravenous deferoxamine (DFO) is a widely used iron-chelating agent, but its impact on serum ferritin levels and clinical outcomes in thalassemia major patients requires further investigation. Aim of the study: To assess the effect of intravenous deferoxamine on serum ferritin levels and clinical parameters in thalassemia major patients undergoing regular blood transfusions over a 12-month period. Methods: This prospective study included 52 thalassemia major patients who received intravenous deferoxamine therapy for 12 months. Serum ferritin levels were measured at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Clinical parameters, including hemoglobin levels, transfusion frequency, and iron overload-related complications, were monitored. The correlation between deferoxamine dosage and ferritin reduction was also analyzed. Result: Serum ferritin levels significantly decreased by 48.57% from baseline (3500 ± 1200 ng/mL) to 12 months (1800 ± 250 ng/mL), with a dose-dependent reduction observed. Deferoxamine doses >50 mg/kg/day led to the most substantial reductions in ferritin. Clinical improvements were noted, including an increase in hemoglobin (7.8 ± 1.1 to 8.3 ± 1.0 g/dL, p = 0.028), a decrease in transfusion frequency (2.6 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.4 units/month, p = 0.014), and a reduction in iron overload-related complications (30.77% to 5.77%, p < 0.01). Adverse effects were mild, with nausea (11.54%), pain at the injection site (9.62%), and diarrhea (7.69%) being the most common. Conclusion: Intravenous deferoxamine significantly reduces serum ferritin levels and improves clinical outcomes in thalassemia major patients, with a dose-dependent effect. The therapy is well-tolerated, highlighting its importance in managing iron overload.