The Effects of Deferoxamine Mesylate on Iron Elimination after Blood Transfusion in Neonatal Foals

Abstract

Background: Hepatic failure is one of the more common complications in foals requiring blood transfusion to treat neonatal isoerythrolysis. Iron intoxication is likely the cause of hepatic injury.Objectives: To determine the effects of deferoxamine on iron elimination in normal foals.Animals: Thirteen neonatal foals.Methods: Randomized-controlled trial. At 1-3 days of age, foals received either 3-L of washed packed dam's red blood cells (RBC) or 3-L of saline IV once. Foals were treated with deferoxamine (1-g) or saline (5-mL) SC twice daily for 14 days. Foals were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: RBC/deferoxamine (deferoxamine), RBC/saline (placebo), or saline/saline (control). Blood and urine samples and liver biopsy specimens were collected for measurement of hematological, biochemical, and iron metabolism variables.Results: There was a significant (P