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Hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell disease in a resource-poor setting: Monitoring and effects of therapy. A practical perspective
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  • Uche Nnebe-Agumadu,
  • Innocent Adebayo,
  • Ifeanyi Erigbuem,
  • Esther James,
  • Evelyn Kumode,
  • Obiageli Nnodu,
  • Adekunle Adekile
Uche Nnebe-Agumadu
University of Abuja

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Innocent Adebayo
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
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Ifeanyi Erigbuem
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
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Esther James
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
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Evelyn Kumode
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
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Obiageli Nnodu
University of Abuja College of Health Sciences
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Adekunle Adekile
Kuwait University, Kuwait University
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Abstract

Abstract Background: Effectiveness of hydroxyurea (HU) in SCD is well established. Unanswered questions persist about use in African children in terms of acceptability and monitoring. We determined real-life user-barriers, safety and effects of therapy among children using HU in Nigeria. Methods: We retrieved and reviewed case notes of children on hydroxyurea (10-15mg/kg/day followed by dose escalation) from January 2017 to June 2019, checked for adherence to drugs, clinics and laboratory tests; starting dose, toxicity and benefits (hematologic, clinical, parental satisfaction). A questionnaire complemented case note findings. Results 116 patients received hydroxyurea (mean dose of 18 mg/kg/ day). Improvement in general well-being was 91.25%, reduction in bone pain 83.3%, hospital admissions 71.9%, abdominal pain 62.3%, blood transfusion 56.1%. Sixteen percent voluntarily stopped HU because of cost and side effects. Sixty-seven percent of parents complained about daily drug use, frequency and cost of monitoring. Adherence to daily HU was 88.8%, doctor’s appointments 22.8%, hematology tests 17.5%, organ function 32.5%. Five patients had mild neutropenia. No significant hepatic or renal toxicity occurred. Common side effects were abdominal pain (18.4%) and headache (13.2%). Significant increase in hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin, MCV and reduction in absolute neutrophil counts occurred. Conclusion: Hydroxyurea at 10-15mg/kg/day is safe, effective and acceptable to parents. Monitoring is challenging. Care-giver education, support services, staff training, HU clinics may improve utilization. HU protocols that reduce monitoring and yet provide good clinical and laboratory benefits are necessary. This study adds to the implementation science strategies that is needed to increase HU use in Nigeria.
04 Jun 2020Submission Checks Completed
04 Jun 2020Assigned to Editor
04 Jun 2020Submitted to Pediatric Blood & Cancer
07 Jun 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Jun 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Jul 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
03 Sep 20201st Revision Received
03 Sep 2020Submission Checks Completed
03 Sep 2020Assigned to Editor
04 Sep 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Oct 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Oct 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Nov 20202nd Revision Received
28 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
28 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
30 Nov 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Dec 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Dec 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
31 Jan 2021Submission Checks Completed
31 Jan 2021Assigned to Editor
31 Jan 20213rd Revision Received
07 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Accept