Role of chelating agents in thalassaemia major patients

ABSTRACT

To evaluate current chelation in thalassaemia major patients. It is a retrospective study. This study was conducted at Sundus Foundation, Shadman, Lahore Pakistan from March 2006 to August 2006. One hundred and seventy patients with transfusion dependent thalassaemia major were evaluated for chelation practice and iron overload. 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 should be taken to remove the obstacles for improvement in quality of life in these patients. Involvement of physicians about current concepts in treatment of thalassaemia major can produce promising results: