Drug-Induced Pancreatitis Due to Deferasirox: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a common reason for medical consultation, particularly in emergency departments when patients present with abdominal pain. It represents a significant financial burden on healthcare systems, as one in three cases progresses to moderate or severe pancreatitis, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and complications. Currently, the primary causes of pancreatitis include obstructive biliary and non-biliary factors, resulting from reflux and the absence of enzyme flow into the intestine. This leads to enzyme activation within the pancreatic tissue, causing self-digestion. Alcohol consumption and hypertriglyceridemia contribute to cellular toxicity due to the metabolic breakdown of these substances. Drug-induced pancreatitis is a rare condition associated with antibiotics, analgesics, and antidepressants. Deferasirox, an iron chelator primarily used in patients requiring frequent blood transfusions to prevent iron overload, has rarely been linked to pancreatitis. However, available data suggest a possible correlation, and the pharmaceutical manufacturer lists pancreatitis as a potential adverse effect in the drug’s technical specifications. This report presents the case of a 71-year-old female patient who developed moderate to severe pancreatitis without major complications. Physicians ruled out the most common causes of pancreatitis and concluded that the triggering factor was the iron-chelating agent deferasirox.