Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) prevalence remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea (HU) increases survival, however, poor adherence to treatment could limit effectiveness. Whilst HU treatment adherence is currently high, this might decrease over time.Methods
We conducted a single-center, randomized, open-label, parallel group phase 2 controlled clinical trial to determine whether mobile Directly Observed Therapy (m-DOT) increases HU treatment adherence (NCT02844673). Eligible participants were adults with homozygous SCA. People on a chronic blood transfusion program, with hemoglobin (Hb) A levels greater than 20% of the total Hb, total Hb less than 4 g/dL, pregnant or HIV positive were excluded. After a 3-month pre-treatment period participants were randomized to either m-DOT or standard monitoring arm. All participants received smart mobile phones and were treated with HU (15 mg/kg) daily for three months. In the m-DOT arm, drug intake was video recorded on cell phone by the participant and the video sent to the study team. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of m-DOT on adherence to HU treatment by medication possession ratio (MPR).Results
Of the 86 participants randomized, 76 completed the trial (26.13 ± 6.97 years, 63.5 % female). Adherence was high (MPR > 95 %) in both groups, 29 (80.6 %) in m-DOT versus 37 (94.9 %) in the standard monitoring arm (P = 0.079). No HU treatment was withheld from participants due to safety concerns.Conclusions
m-DOT did not increase adherence to HU treatment. We recommend that further testing in larger trials with a longer follow up period be undertaken.
SUBMITTER: Sasi P
PROVIDER: S-EPMC11315961 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Sasi Philip P Makubi Abel A Sangeda Raphael Z RZ Ngaeje Mariam Y MY Mmbando Bruno P BP Soka Joseph J Rosano Caterina C Magesa Alex S AS Cox Sharon E SE Makani Julie J Novelli Enrico M EM
Communications medicine 20240809 1
<h4>Background</h4>Sickle cell anemia (SCA) prevalence remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea (HU) increases survival, however, poor adherence to treatment could limit effectiveness. Whilst HU treatment adherence is currently high, this might decrease over time.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a single-center, randomized, open-label, parallel group phase 2 controlled clinical trial to determine whether mobile Directly Observed Therapy (m-DOT) increases HU treatment ...[more]