A case of beta-thalassaemia major resistant to standard treatment

A case of beta-thalassaemia major resistant to standard treatment

Authors

  • Nicoletta Masera Clinica pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
  • Valentina Decimi Clinica pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
  • Luisa Tavecchia Centro Immunotrasfusionale, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
  • Marietta Capra Centro Immunotrasfusionale, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
  • Giovanni Cazzaniga Centro Immunotrasfusionale, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
  • Andrea Biondi Clinica pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
  • Giuseppe Masera Clinica pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7175/cmi.v4i2.531

Keywords:

Thalassaemia, Thalidomide, Foetal haemoglobin

Abstract

We report the case of a 22-year-old woman from Albania, with thalassaemia major, in severe clinical condition who could no longer be transfused due to the occurrence of severe, acute, post-transfusional reactions. After 10 years of treatment, she failed to respond to hydroxyurea. When she received thalidomide, haemoglobin levels increased from 3.7 g/dl to 9 g/dl. Since then, at 22 months of follow-up, the therapy is still effective and well tolerated. The case gives the opportunity to describe the clinical use of thalidomide, and its potential in the management of beta-thalassaemia.

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Published

2010-06-15

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2010)

Section

Case report

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