Parental and other factors associated with hydroxyurea use for pediatric sickle cell disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hydroxyurea (HU) is highly effective treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). While pediatric use of HU is accepted clinical practice, barriers to use may impede its potential benefit.

Procedure

A survey of parents of children ages 5-17 years with SCD was performed across five institutions to assess factors associated with HU use.

Results

Of the 173 parent responses, 65 (38%) had children currently taking HU. Among parents of children not taking HU, the most commonly cited reasons were that their hematology provider had not offered it, their child was not sufficiently symptomatic and concerns about potential side effects. Even parents of HU users reported widespread concern about effectiveness, long-term safety, and off-label use. In bivariate analyses, chi

SUBMITTER: Oyeku SO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3625668 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature