[Treatment of iron overload due to repeated transfusions with subcutaneous infusions of desferrioxamine (author's transl)].

The urinary excretion of iron has been studied in 23 cases of iron overload (20 thalassemia major, 2 pure red cell aplasia, 1 congenital sideroblastic anemia) after 12 hour subcutaneous infusions of 0.5 g, 1 g, 2 g and 3 g of desferrioxamine (D). The urinary excretion of iron was correlated with the dose of D and the serum ferritin. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of 0.5 g and 1 g D over 12 hours increased the mean urinary iron excretion from 6.6 to 12 mg/day and 9.9 to 18 mg/day respectively compared with intramuscular injection of a similar dose. The test doses of D have been used to determine the dose of D necessary to balance the iron received in transfusion and the iron excreted in the urine. Five children treated for between 7 and 12 months demonstrated that the treatment is effective. Serum ferritin levels decreased and the children were in negative iron balance. Using a portable constant infusion pump subcutaneous infusions can be given at home.