Use of deferoxamine (DFO) in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia during pregnancy: A retrospective study

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;59(1):120-122. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2019.11.018.

Abstract

Objective: To report cases of use of chelation therapy during pregnancy which resulted in favorable outcomes for the babies.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we described the evolution and outcome of 9 pregnancies in Italian thalassemic women who received deferoxamine (DFO) inadvertently during early pregnancy.

Results: The use of deferoxamine during first trimester did not lead to adverse effects on the fetus or cause major complications for the gestation, although an increase in iron burden was observed after suspending chelation therapy.

Conclusion: In our experience, iron-chelation therapy might be administrated in pregnancy where the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the baby.

Keywords: Deferoxamine; Iron chelation therapy; Magnetic resonance T2*; Pregnancy; Thalassemia.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chelation Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Deferoxamine / administration & dosage
  • Deferoxamine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Live Birth
  • Maternal Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Siderophores / administration & dosage
  • Siderophores / adverse effects*
  • beta-Thalassemia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Siderophores
  • Deferoxamine