A 10-year-old child with beta-thalassemia major has been receiving regular transfusions for 6 years. Serum ferritin is consistently above 2,500 ng/mL despite chelation therapy. Which oral iron chelating agent is preferred as first-line for chronic iron overload in thalassemia?

• A Deferoxamine
• B Deferiprone
• C Dimercaprol
• D Deferasirox ✓

Explanation

Deferasirox is an oral iron chelator approved as first-line therapy for chronic iron overload in transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Deferoxamine requires parenteral (subcutaneous) infusion. Deferiprone is used as second-line or in combination. Dimercaprol is used for acute heavy metal poisoning (arsenic, lead, mercury), not chronic iron overload.

Reference: Williams Hematology, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.