Reversible Fanconi syndrome in a pediatric patient on deferasirox

Abstract

Deferasirox (Exjade®, Novartis) is a widely used oral iron chelator for the treatment of patients with iron overload due to chronic transfusion therapy for diseases such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Renal side effects of deferasirox are common and include non-progressive increases in serum creatinine, however, the effect of deferasirox on proximal tubule function is unclear. We report one pediatric patient with reversible Fanconi syndrome associated with long-term deferasirox therapy and one patient with mild proximal tubular dysfunction. Kidney and proximal tubular function should be periodically monitored in patients receiving deferasirox throughout their course of therapy.