2024, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A

Background: Excess iron reserves from repeated transfusions cause various difficulties in B-thalassemia major patients. Hepatic, cardiac, and endocrine dysfunction, growth, sexual maturation, and survival are improved by chelating therapy in iron excess patients. The study aims to examine the impact of these medicines on serum ferritin levels and their effectiveness in decreasing them. These medicines affect kidney, hepatic, white blood cell, and platelet functioning.

Methods: This retrospective study at the Inherited Blood Disorder Center in Babylon reviewed 62 β-thalassemia major patients aged 1-14 years, assessing chelation therapy with deferoxamine followed by deferasirox. Evaluations included serum ferritin levels, liver and kidney function tests (ALT, AST, B. urea, S. cr., PPT, WBCs) initially and at 6, 12, and 18 months post-treatment switch. The study aimed to understand the effectiveness and safety of transitioning chelation agents in managing iron overload.

Results: Patients with B-Thalassemia major had a mean age of 9.31±2.02 years, with 78.4% older than 10 years. There were 27 (52.9%) male B-Thalassemia significant patients. The male-female ratio was 1.13:1. The initial 6-month serum ferritin value after deferral and Exjade was significantly different. (p<0.001). Significant mean serum ferritin variations (p<0.001) were seen following delay and Exjade treatment at 12 and 18 months.

Conclusion: The study found a significant reduction in serum ferritin levels when using Exjade therapy compared to Desferal. However, there were no significant changes in serum creatinine, ALT, AST, platelets, and WBC levels between Exjade and Desferal therapies. This indicates Exjade 's effectiveness in reducing iron overload without adversely affecting liver function, kidney function, or blood counts.