SENSORIMOTOR NEUROTOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH-DOSE DEFEROXAMINE TREATMENT

Purpose, We report a reversible sensorimotor neurotixicity that develo ped in two beta-thalassemic patients treated with high-dose deferoxami ne (DFO) for iron overload. Methods, Two patients were treated with hi gh-dose (120 mg/kg/day) intravenous DFO for iron overload. Results, Se nsorimotor toxicity developed after 5 and 6 months of treatment, respe ctively. The development of the neurotoxicity did not correlate with t he serum ferritin or the ratio of DFO dose to serum ferritin. Symptoms resolved in both patients with discontinuation of DFO treatment. In 1 patient, symptoms recurred with resumption of DFO treatment. Conclusi ons, These cases demonstrate that a reversible sensorimotor neurotoxic ity, a previously unreported toxicity, may complicate DFO therapy; thi s complements the previously reported auditory and visual neurotoxicit y associated with DFO therapy. Discontinuation of therapy at the time of onset of neurotoxicity is recommended, with possible resumption at lower doses.