Hydroxyurea is associated with lower costs of care of young children with sickle cell anemia.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

In the BABY HUG trial, young children with sickle cell anemia randomized to receive hydroxyurea had fewer episodes of pain, hospitalization, and transfusions. With anticipated broader use of hydroxyurea in this population, we sought to estimate medical costs of care in treated versus untreated children.

Methods

The BABY HUG database was used to compare inpatient events in subjects receiving hydroxyurea with those receiving placebo. Unit costs were estimated from the 2009 MarketScan Multi-state Medicaid Database for children with sickle cell disease, aged 1 to 3 years. Inpatient costs were based on length of hospital stay, modified by the occurrence of acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, or transfusion. Outpatient expenses were based on the s

SUBMITTER: Wang WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4074648 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature