Sensorimotor neurotoxicity associated with high-dose deferoxamine treatment.
OBJECTIVE
We report a reversible sensorimotor neurotixicity that developed in two beta-thalassemic patients treated with high-dose deferoxamine (DFO) for iron overload.


METHODS
Two patients were treated with high-dose (120 mg/kg/day) intravenous DFO for iron overload.


RESULTS
Sensorimotor toxicity developed after 5 and 6 months of treatment, respectively. The development of the neurotoxicity did not correlate with the serum ferritin or the ratio of DFO dose to serum ferritin. Symptoms resolved in both patients with discontinuation of DFO treatment. In 1 patient, symptoms recurred with resumption of DFO treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
These cases demonstrate that a reversible sensorimotor neurotoxicity, a previously unreported toxicity, may complicate DFO therapy, this complements the previously reported auditory and visual neurotoxicity associated with DFO therapy. Discontinuation of therapy at the time of onset of neurotoxicity is recommended, with possible resumption at lower doses.
Levine
J E
JE
Department of Pediatrics, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, NY 10021, USA.
Cohen
A
A
MacQueen
M
M
Martin
M
M
Giardina
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D003676:Deferoxamine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017262:Siderophores / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D017262:Siderophores; D003676:Deferoxamine