Thalidomide intervention
thrombosis
THROMBOSIS, HEMODYNAMIC INSTABILITY, -20, BLOOD, IRON OVERLOAD
All patients were given oral thalidomide, starting with a dose of 1–2 mg/kg/day. Among those with sub-optimal or no response, the dose was escalated in increments of 1 mg/kg/day at 2 months interval to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day (maximum dose 70 mg/day). The drug was discontinued once it was administered at ≥ 2 mg/kg/day for a period of 6 months with no response. Patients were also continued on HU at a dose of 10-20 mg/kg/day. Additionally, clopidogrel at a dose of 2–4 mg/kg/day was administered to prevent the risk of thrombosis. Patients were also continued on iron chelation therapy in case of iron overload. Moreover, patients received dietary supplements, anti-histamines and hepatoprotective agents as supportive care. Blood transfusions were administered to patients who exhibited hemodynamic instability or were unable to maintain Hb level at 6 g/dl or above.