Safety and Efficacy of Immunomodulator Drug Thalidomide in Multi-transfused Thalassemia Patients

Safety and Efficacy of Immunomodulator Drug Thalidomide in Multi-transfused Thalassemia Patients: A Single Center Experience From South Punjab, Pakistan

This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of thalidomide in multi-transfused thalassemic children.

Given the significant burden of transfusion dependency, an effective and safe inducer is needed that could improve quality of life and reduce the healthcare costs associated with frequent transfusions and iron chelation therapy. If this study could establish the safety of thalidomide in terms of teratogenicity along with its efficacy, it would be a great support to multi-transfused thalassemic children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children of both genders
• Aged 2-5 years
• With transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT)
• Whose parents/guardians showed willingness to adhere to follow-up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with uncontrolled infections
• Significant hepatic or renal dysfunction
• Malignancy
• Known contraindications to thalidomide