Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hydroxyurea is an effective treatment for sickle cell anemia, but few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden is greatest. Coexisting conditions such as malnutrition and malaria may affect the feasibility, safety, and benefits of hydroxyurea in low-resource settings.

Methods

We enrolled children 1 to 10 years of age with sickle cell anemia in four sub-Saharan countries. Children received hydroxyurea at a dose of 15 to 20 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for 6 months, followed by dose escalation. The end points assessed feasibility (enrollment, retention, and adherence), safety (dose levels, toxic effects, and malaria), and benefits (laboratory variables, sickle cell-related events, transfusions, and survival).

Results

A tot

SUBMITTER: Tshilolo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6454575 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature