Continuous desferrioxamine infusion by an infusor in thalassaemia major

Chelation therapy with desferrioxamine (DFO) can be an important problem fo r patients with thalassaemia major (TM). In an effort to find a solution to this problem, a new delivery system based on a disposable and lightweight device was developed by Baxter. The aim of study was to investigate the com pliance of patients and the effects and side effects of two different infus ors. The 26 patients using infusors were divided into 2 groups, who were in fused with DFO for 48 h (group A) and for 120 h (group B). The 24-h mean ur inary iron and zinc excretion in groups A and B were statistically signific ant at the beginning and end of therapy (p < 0.001). Serum ferritin levels decreased in both groups compared with control (p < 0.001). No systemic rea ctions were observed either during or at the end of treatment. The complian ce and use of infusors were 97% in group A and 72% in group B. In conclusio n, better compliance was achieved and there were fewer local complications in group A than in group B. Subcutaneous infusion of DFO with both devices may be ideal for patients who have compliance problems and cannot be treate d using portable pumps. The device is new and expensive, but excellent and effective for long-term DFO infusion.