Deferiprone Related Arthropathy in 11-Year-Old Boy with Hereditary Spherocytosis

ABSTRACT

Regular transfusion therapy in children with intractable hematologic disorder results in hemosiderosis. It causes several organ damages such as liver, heart, and endocrine system and increases risk of infection. Thus, iron-chelating therapy is essential to promote normal development, prevent excess iron overload and death in children. In abroad, deferiprone has been approved for use in thalassemic children with transfusion induced iron overload. Side effects associated with deferiprone include agranulocytosis, arthropathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, increased alanine aminotransferase levels, and zinc deficiency. Arthropathy has been reported to occur approximately 9%–38% of patients. We present an 11-year-old boy patient with hereditary spherocytosis, who experienced arthropathy while under deferiprone therapy.