Question

The physician has ordered chelation therapy for a child with hemosiderosis, a complication associated with thalassemia major. Chelation therapy includes the administration of vitamin \(C\) and: A. Chemet (succimer) B. Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) C. Calcium EDTA (edetate calcium disodium) D. British anti-Lewisite (dimercaprol)

Short answer

Answer: Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate)

Step-by-step solution

Understand Chelation Therapy and Hemosiderosis

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Hemosiderosis is a condition where excessive iron accumulates in the body's tissues and organs, which can result from blood transfusions used to treat thalassemia major. In this case, chelation therapy is used to remove the excess iron and prevent potential damage to organs.

Review the Drug Options

There are four drug options listed: A. Chemet (succimer) B. Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) C. Calcium EDTA (edetate calcium disodium) D. British anti-Lewisite (dimercaprol)

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Now, let's eliminate the incorrect drug options for chelation therapy in the treatment of hemosiderosis: - Chemet (succimer) is primarily used for treating lead poisoning. - Calcium EDTA (edetate calcium disodium) is used for treating lead poisoning and other heavy metal poisonings. - British anti-Lewisite (dimercaprol) is used to treat arsenic, gold, and mercury poisoning. These three options are not commonly used for the treatment of hemosiderosis associated with thalassemia major.

Choose the Correct Option

The remaining option is the correct choice for chelation therapy in treating hemosiderosis in a child with thalassemia major: B. Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) Desferal is a chelating agent that binds to iron and helps to remove excess iron from the body. It is commonly used in the treatment of hemosiderosis associated with thalassemia major.