Hydroxyurea decreases hospitalizations in pediatric patients with Hb SC and Hb SB+ thalassemia.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Patients with hemoglobin SC (Hb SC) and hemoglobin SB+ (Hb SB+) thalassemia suffer from frequent hospitalizations yet strong evidence of a clinical benefit of hydroxyurea (HU) in this population is lacking. Patients with recurrent hospitalizations for pain crisis are offered HU at our institution based on small cohort data and anecdotal benefit. This study identifies outcomes from a large cohort of patients with Hb SC and SB+ thalassemia who were treated with HU for 2 years.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 32 patients with Hb SC and SB+ thalassemia who were treated with HU. We reviewed the number, and reasons for hospitalization in the 2 years prior to, and 2 years post-HU treatment as well as laboratory changes from baseline, over 1 yea

SUBMITTER: Lebensburger JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4687721 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature