Combined chelation therapy with deferoxamine and deferiprone in β-thalassemia major: compliance and opinions of young thalassemic patients

Hemoglobin. 2014;38(2):111-4. doi: 10.3109/03630269.2013.867407. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

Treatment of β-thalassemia major (β-TM) includes regular blood transfusions and iron chelation with subcutaneous injection of deferoxamine (DFO). During the last decade, a new chelation agent, deferiprone (L1), was introduced. The purpose of our study was to determine the level of awareness/education regarding chelation therapy, the degree of compliance to this therapy and their views of L1 in patients with β-TM. A relevant questionnaire was administered to 36 patients (12-26 years old) who were on combination chelation therapy with both DFO and L1. The majority of patients was well aware/educated about chelation therapy (76.6%), was compliant with this therapy (74.4%) and had a positive view towards oral chelation (86.0%). In conclusion, most patients with β-TM who were on combination chelation therapy with DFO and L1 were satisfied with this treatment and this results in high compliance rates.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chelation Therapy / methods*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Deferiprone
  • Deferoxamine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data
  • Public Opinion
  • Pyridones / therapeutic use*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult
  • beta-Thalassemia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Pyridones
  • Deferiprone
  • Deferoxamine