Y. Rombos et al., Chelation therapy in patients with thalassemia using the orally active iron chelator deferiprone (L1), HAEMATOLOG, 85(2), 2000, pp. 115-117
Background and Objectives. Excessive hemosiderosis is the main reason for t
he multi-organ failure observed in multitransfused patients. Deferiprone (1
,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-pyridine-4-one, L1) is an orally active Iron chelator
mainly excreted via urine. We conducted a study in order to determine the
efficacy and safety of L1 in Greek thalassemic patients.
Design and Methods. A group of 11 thalassaemic patients entered the study;
L1, the Cipla formulation for deferiprone, at a daily dose of 75-100 mg/kg
bw t.i.d, was used. After giving informed consent all patients were subject
ed to clinical examination and biological tests.
Results. All patients tolerated the L1 well; there were no significant side
effects (except for slight gastrointestinal disturbances for the first day
s). The net urinary iron excretion ranged from 6.96 to 26.1 mg/24h. Serum f
erritin declined within 46 months in most of the patients.
Interpretation and Conclusions. The results suggest that L1 is a rather saf
e drug which decreases iron overload without causing any considerable side-
effects in Greek thalassemics. (C) 2000, Ferrata Storti Foundation.