Reversible Fanconi Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient on Deferasirox

Deferasirox (Exjade (R), 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 beta-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. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2011;56:674-676. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.