Chelation therapy is begun on a child with b-thalassemia major. What is the purpose of this therapy?
A) Treat the disease
B) Eliminate excess iron
C) Decrease risk of hypoxia
D) Manage nausea and vomiting

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A complication of the frequent blood transfusions in thalassemia is iron overload. Chelation therapy with deferoxamine (an iron-chelating agent) is given with oral supplements of vitamin C to increase iron excretion. Chelation therapy treats the side effect of the disease management. Decreasing the risk of hypoxia and managing nausea and vomiting are not the purposes of chelation therapy.

Chelation Therapy Is Begun on a Child with B-Thalassemia Major