Impact of chelator treatment on post-transfusion hemochromatosis in thalassemic patients under Deferasirox

The management of beta thalassemia may require periodic blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. This study is a descriptive retrospective analysis of clinical, biological, and therapeutic parameters to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of chelation therapy in managing post-transfusional hemochromatosis in 26 β-thalassemia patients treated at the Hussein Dey University Hospital Center in Algiers, Algeria. The results of this study show a certain correlation between the doses of iron chelators taken and the improvement in ferritin levels and creatinine clearance, which is indicative of a reduction in renal function impairment. Five profiles were identified based on this relationship. The study also found that all patients had normal kidney function, but there was a tendency towards a decrease in creatinine clearance, necessitating continuous monitoring. It is important to note that even with careful monitoring, complications of thalassemia may occur gradually and at a late onset. This study highlights the need to integrate pharmaceutical practices and introduce the concept of clinical pharmacy to improve adherence to long-term chelation therapy and ultimately enhance survival in children with major thalassemia.