Question: Individuals requiring chronic transfusion therapy are often treated with the iron chelator deferoxamine in order to address transfusion-induced hemochromatosis and associated complications. Which toxicities have been associated with the use of deferoxamine?
Answer: According to the cited reference, “In the 1980’s a number of investigators reported ototoxicity and ocular toxicity induced by deferoxamine, although others have suggested that doses less than 50 mg/kg/d are not associated with otic or ocular toxicity. The reported otologic disturbance is bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The ocular disturbances include decreased acuity, peripheral field loss, abnormal color vision, defective dark adaptation, thinning of retinal vessels, retinal stippling, and abnormal visual evoked potentials.” (Chen SH et al. Auditory and visual toxicity during deferoxamine therapy in transfusion dependent patients. 2005 J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 27:651-653)