Rubber band technique for slow subcutaneous infusion of desferrioxamine (Desferal).

The DF given weekly by the RBIT in 14 thalassemia/hemoglobinopathy patients decreased the frequency of URIs and febrile illnesses in 5/10 patients. Five of the six patients had absence of frequent enteritis. There were no instances of pneumonia and otitis media in two patients with frequent infections before DF. Skin color was improved within 3 months. Most of the patients became more active at the same hematocrit level. The height and weight in eight patients was normal. The total number of blood transfusions in all patients was significantly decreased. It is advisable to use weekly DF infusion by RBIT in the patient who cannot afford to use the infusion pump and the full program of iron chelation.