الفهرس 
Assessment of iron chelation therapy compliance among school age thalassemic children
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Abstract
Background: Iron overload is the most important cause of mortality in children with thalassemia major, iron chelation therapy (ICT) is therefore a critical issue in the management of these children, so compliance with ICT is crucial in preventing iron overload related complications. Aim: The study aimed to assess compliance with ICT among school age children with thalassemia. Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Setting: The study was carried out at outpatient hematology clinic at Al-Mounira Pediatric Cairo-University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of one hundred school age children with thalassemia. Tool: The data was collected using structured interview questionnaire which consists of three parts to assess; child and caregiver personal data, child{u2019}s knowledge about thalassemia, blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy, compliance with iron chelation therapy and factors affecting compliance. Results: More than three quarters of children their age ranged from 9 to 12 years old and nearly two thirds were males, about two thirds received oral chelators (Ferriprox and Exjade) and one third of children received parenteral therapy (Desferal); the higher compliance rates were for children on Exjade, followed by Ferriprox, and the lowest compliance rates were for children on Desferal, the mean serum ferritin value was lowest in compliant children rather than non-compliant, also the lowest ferritin levels were in children on Exjade while the highest values were for children on Desferalamined to improve adherence to therapy through teaching