Deferiprone-related arthropathy of the knee in a thalassemic patient: report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Deferiprone (DFP), the first oral iron chelator, has been used in patients with beta-thalassemia major to reduce serum ferritin levels and total iron burden, leading to decreased cardiac iron levels. Major side effects include embryotoxicity, agranulocytosis, zinc deficiency and gastrointestinal disorders, while arthropathy is rarely reported. Herein, we present a 29-year-old male patient with beta-thalassemia major, who developed severe arthritis of both knees while under deferiprone therapy. Arthritis was managed successfully with non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs after DFP withdrawal.