The Adverse Effects of Thalassemia Treatments Including Blood Transfusion and Main Pharmacological Therapies

A B S T R A C T Background: Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a disorder which needs lifelong blood transfusions. Our aim was to examine the treatments side effects in thalassemic patients. Methods: 110 β-TM patients attending two centers were invited to the study. Those who consented were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographical information, used medications and their side effects. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 14. Results: Data was collected between August 2008 and July 2009. Patients' age was 14.0±1.32 years. The duration of treatment was 11.3±7.5 years. Thalassemic patients received blood transfusions, deferoxamine and supportive medications. Number of medications, received by patients was 3.9±1.9. Hemosiderosis in heart (11%) and endocrine system (8%) were main blood transfusion side effects. A few had hepatitis B or C. Conclusion: Because of prevalence of side effects of therapies, reviewing and improving treatment protocol by designing new medicines with lower side effects and establishment of an adverse reactions team seemed necessary.