Role of chelating agents in thalassaemia major patients

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this work was to evaluate current chelation in thalassaemia major patients. It is a retrospective study. This study was conducted at a charity blood transfusion center in Lahore; from March 2006 to August 2006. One hundred and seventy patients suffering from transfusion dependent thalassaemia major were evaluated for chelation practice and iron overload. Among them 98.2% were found to be either non-chelators or inadequate chelators whereas 82.3% patients had serum ferritin levels above 2500 ng/ml. Growth failure and hepatosplenomegaly were also common. Survival appears to be limited as only 6 patients were older than 20 years. Patients face risks and complications during treatment of thalassaemia major. Urgent and effective measures need be taken to remove the difficulties to improve quality of life in these patients. Involvement of clinical haematologists or physicians in the treatment of thalassaemia major can produce promising results: