Evaluation of safety and efficacy of Deferoxamine compared with deferasirox in transfusion dependent beta thalassemia patients: a single center retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: The primary cause of mortality and morbidity in thalassemia major is iron overload. The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of deferoxamine and deferasirox in transfusion dependent beta thalassemia patients. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted among 178 patients. Patients were divided into two groups, deferoxamine group (90 patients) and deferasirox group (88 patients). Standardized data collection form was used to collect data. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients were recorded by checking medical records. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software. Findings: It was revealed that both drugs, deferoxamine and deferasirox were effective and safe in transfusion dependent beta thalassemic patients. Both are efficacious in reducing serum ferritin level. Their laboratory parameters were within clinically accepted range. Conclusion: Deferoxamine and deferasirox treatment have equal efficacy and safety for transfusion dependent beta thalassemia population. Therefore, oral deferasirox is recommended for more compliance and convenience.