High-dose deferoxamine treatment (intravenous) for thalassaemia patients with cardiac complications.

As a means to manage cardiac conditions, we determined the effects of high-dose intravenous (IV) deferoxamine in 15 thalassaemia patients with cardiomyopathy and high ferritin and haemoglobin levels. The patients received IV deferoxamine, 130 mg/kg per day over 10-14 hours (maximum 5 g) for 5 consecutive days. All patients underwent a full evaluation before receiving deferoxamine, and 2 days and 1 month after completing the treatment. Visual and auditory examinations were done to detect any side-effects. After treatment, cardiovascular symptoms decreased considerably and systolic function showed significant improvement, but there was no significant effect on diastolic function, electrocardiography and physical findings. There were no significant side-effects reported.