Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has a high incidence of mortality and significant morbidity, with mortality exceeding 30% in the first two days.The initial injury is related to increasing intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, and neuronal injuries associated with the release of iron. Iron has been shown to increase the incidence of cerebral edema, ischemia, and formation of hydrocephalus. Deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), a hydrophilic chelator, creates a stable complex with free iron thus preventing the formation of iron related free radicals.

This trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of clinical deferoxamine for the treatment of aSAH for patients that are admitted to the hospital at the University of Michigan. Eligible participants will be enrolled and randomized to 1 of 2 doses of Deferoxamine or placebo (saline). Information regarding the patients will be collected and followed for up to 6 months post discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aneurysmal SAH confirmed with vascular imaging
• Aneurysm treated with endovascular or microsurgical intervention
• Hunt-Hess ≤ 4
• Modified Fisher Grade I-IV
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≥ 7 following External Ventricular Drain (EVD) placement if indicated
• First dose of drug can be administered within 24 hours of symptom onset
• Functional independence prior to SAH, Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 1
• Informed consent obtained by patient or legal authorized representative (LAR)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous hypersensitivity to or treatment with deferoxamine
• Presence of giant aneurysm (>25 mm in size)
• Known severe iron deficiency anemia, Hemoglobin (Hgb) g/dl ≤ 7 or transfusion dependent
• Irreversibly impaired brainstem function
• Abnormal renal function, Serum Creatinine> 2 mg/dL
• Pre-existing severe disability, mRS ≥ 2
• Coagulopathy, including use of anti-platelet or anticoagulant drugs
• Known severe hearing loss
• Chronic pulmonary disease that limits basic activities of daily living at baseline, or requires the use of home oxygen.
• Acute pulmonary disease with the need for any of the following - in a 72 hour period prior to enrollment: >4L/minute nasal cannula (or equivalent O2 delivery via face mask/ tent), heated-high flow nasal cannula, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, and in intubated patients FiO2>45% or positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) > 8cmH2O. This does not include the use of supplemental oxygen in any form for pre-oxygenation, apneic oxygenation, or peri-procedural support alone.
• Taking iron supplements containing > 325 mg of ferrous iron
• Pregnancy or nursing
• Life expectancy less than 90 days due to co-morbidities
• Concurrent participation in another research protocol for investigation of another experimental therapy, though observational studies are allowed
• Prior history of hepatic dysfunction
• Known cytopenia (platelets < 50,000, Absolute neutrophil count < 500)
• Current use of prochlorperazine
• History of severe psychiatric disorder

All patients and investigators who will be directly involved in the care of these patients or in data analysis will be blinded to randomization status.This trial uses a Bayesian adaptive randomization protocol, where there are three groups that patients will be randomized into: placebo, DFO 32 mg/kg and DFO 48 mg/kg. The first 50 patients will be randomized evenly into each of these groups. The randomization ratio will be adjusted based on the design report after 50 subjects and then every 10 patients.