A Study to Assess and Improve Adherence to Iron Chelation Therapy in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients require regular blood transfusions. The unavoidable consequence is iron overload. Iron chelation therapy is the mainstay of treatment, of which the favorable outcome depends mainly on adherence level. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to iron chelation therapy of TDT patients. A cross-sectional cohort of TDT patients were evaluated on their adherence to chelation therapy using the Thai version of Morisky Medication Adherence Scales (MMAS-8). A total of 70 patients (38 males, 32 females), with a median age of 10 years, were enrolled in the study. Sixteen patients (22.9%) and 54 patients (77.1%) were classified as high and medium-low adherence level groups. The raised serum ferritin value for 6 months previous to enrollment in the high adherence level group is lower than the medium-low adherence level group (276.4 vs. 413.0 ng/mL, p = 0.034, respectively). Factors impacted high adherence to iron chelation including younger age (p = 0.015) and deferasirox (DFX) administration (p = 0.025). The body weight and height in both groups were not statistically different. The most common obstacle to adherence was forgetfulness. The Thai version of MMAS-8 is a practical tool for evaluating adherence to chelation therapy in TDT patients. High adherence level of patients correlates with more controlled serum ferritin level. The younger age and once-daily dose chelation therapy are associated with better adherence.