Neurological Complications and Cataract in a Child With Thalassemia Major Treated With Deferiprone.

Abstract

The oral iron chelator deferiprone is associated with various side effects including agranulocytosis, arthropathy, and deranged liver function tests. Rarely, neurological and visual side effects have been reported with high doses. The authors describe rare neurological manifestations of cerebellar ataxia, hypertonia, and bilateral cataract in an 11-year-old boy with thalassemia major on recommended therapeutic doses of deferiprone. The neurological abnormalities resolved with stoppage of deferiprone. Central nervous system toxicity and lenticular opacities may be attributed to the low molecular weight of deferiprone and its ability to cross the blood-brain and blood-ocular barrier, respectively. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of neurological abnormalities that may occur during deferiprone therapy.

• Authors: Nupur Parakh, Rajni Sharma, Om Prakash, DeoNath Mahto, Bhavna Dhingra, Suvasini Sharma, Jagdish Chandra
• Journal: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology (J Pediatr Hematol Oncol) Vol. 37 Issue 7 Pg. e433-4 (Oct 2015) ISSN: 1536-3678 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26165407 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Iron Chelating Agents
• Pyridones
• Deferiprone

Topics

• Cataract (chemically induced)
• Cerebellar Ataxia (chemically induced)
• Child
• Deferiprone
• Humans
• Iron Chelating Agents (adverse effects)
• Male
• Muscle Hypertonia (chemically induced)
• Pyridones (adverse effects)
• beta-Thalassemia (drug therapy)