Hydroxyurea for sickle cell anemia: what have we learned and what questions still remain?

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a well characterized severe hematological disorder with substantial morbidity and early mortality. Hydroxyurea is a potent inducer of fetal hemoglobin, and evidence over the past 25 years has documented its laboratory and clinical efficacy for both adults and children with SCA.

Recent findings

The phase III study of hydroxyurea in infants (BABY HUG) has just been completed and preliminary results indicate equivocal benefits for organ protection during the 2-year treatment period, but significant benefits for pain, acute chest syndrome, hospitalizations, and transfusions. Three new reports document the benefits of hydroxyurea on reducing mortality in SCA: two adult trials (LaSHS and MSH) and one pediatric study (Brazilian cohort).

SUBMITTER: McGann PT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3181131 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature