Skin complications during iron chelation therapy for beta-thalassemia: overview and treatment approach.

Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder of hemoglobin that affects a large population worldwide, and it is estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 infants with thalassemia are born each year. The most common treatment for thalassemia is blood transfusion, which leads to iron overload. This in itself is a serious clinical condition, and is commonly managed with iron chelation therapy. However, iron chelators can cause various skin complications, including hyperpigmentation, skin rash, itching, and photosensitivity. These skin side effects can impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive overview of skin complications caused by iron chelators, along with a proposed comprehensive approach to their management in patients with beta-thalassemia. Key strategies include patient education, regular skin assessment, sun protection measures, symptomatic relief with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, and consideration of treatment modification if severe complications occur. Collaboration between hematologists and dermatologists, along with psychological support and regular follow-up, is an essential component of this multidisciplinary approach. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can optimize skin care for patients with beta-thalassemia treated with iron chelators and improve their quality of life.

Investigation of health risk assessment and the effect of various irrigation water on the accumulation of toxic metals in the most widely consumed vegetables in Iran.

The quality of irrigation water sources can significantly affect the concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in cultivated vegetables. This study aimed to investigate the effect of various water resources, including treated wastewater effluent (TWE), river water (RW), and well water with chemical fertilizer (WW+F), on the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in the three most widely consumed edible vegetables (Coriander, Radish, and Basil) in Iran. A total of 90 samples of edible vegetables, 13 samples of irrigation water, and 10 soil samples were collected to determine HMs concentrations. Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni,) and Arsenic (As) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Eventually, the Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) for the toxic metals of As, Pb, and Cd was determined. The results revealed that the TTHQ of toxic metals in vegetables was less than the allowable limits (TTHQ = 1). Also, TWE was the best irrigation water type since the HMs content of vegetables was low. By comparing the results with national and international standards, it can be concluded that the Gharasou RW for irrigation of edible vegetables was inappropriate.