Deferasirox versus deferoxiamine for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia major

Background: Many patients with transfusional iron overload are at risk of progressive organ dysfunction and early death. Poor compliance with iron chelators is believed to be a major contributing factor. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Deferasirox in comparison with Deferoxiamine for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia major. Patients and Methods: We evaluated the oncedaily Deferasirox for 48 weeks in forty patients (older than 2 years) who had β-thalassaemia major with evidence of iron overload. Some had been previously treated with chelating agents. Most patients began treatment with Deferasirox 10 mg/kg/ day and may be increased to 30 mg/kg/day. Serum ferritin level was assessed before and after beginning of Deferasirox treatment at 3 months interval for 48 weeks. Results: Deferasirox was associated with mild adverse events on most occasions. The mean serum ferritin level decreased significantly in all patients treated with Deferasirox compared to those on Deferoxiamine. Conclusions: Administration of Deferasirox as an oral drug may be preferable and more effective than the parentral iron chelating therapy with better compliance and no inconvenience of parenteral infusion regimens.

Key-words:

Deferasirox - Deferoxiamine - Transfusional iron overload - β-thalassemia major