Iron chelation therapy with desferrioxamine (DFO) has dramatically improved the outlook in beta-thalassaemia patients. DFO reduces tissue iron stores, prevents iron-induced organ damage, and reduces morbidity and mortality. However, the need for prolonged subcutaneous portable pump infusions, high cost, and patient noncompliance have prompted the development of new iron chelators. Deferiprone, is the only oral iron chelator in clinical use and has been studied in large long-term clinical trials. Combination therapy with deferiprone and DFO has emerged as a new alternative for beta thalassaemia patients. Combination therapy may minimize side effects, improve compliance, enhance iron excretion and target specific iron pools. The availability of new chelating compounds and new methods for body-iron store evaluation may lead to individualized therapy in the future.
Deferiprone; oral chelation; beta thalassemia