Fewer infections in youth with sickle cell anemia on hydroxyurea

A recent study conducted in Uganda revealed that treatment with hydroxyurea significantly reduced the incidence of severe or invasive infections among children with sickle cell anemia by 60%. Sickle cell anemia, characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells, is prevalent in African countries, with high mortality rates, particularly among children. The study’s findings, published in Blood, underscore the potential of hydroxyurea in mitigating the burden of infectious diseases in regions heavily affected by sickle cell anemia, such as Africa.

Moreover, the research demonstrated that hydroxyurea treatment decreased the overall incidence of infections and substantially lowered the risk of hospitalization by 71%. This reduction in hospitalizations is particularly significant given that infectious diseases are a common cause of hospitalization and mortality among children with sickle cell anemia in Africa. The study’s authors advocate for the widespread adoption of hydroxyurea as a standard treatment for sickle cell anemia across the continent, emphasizing its potential to save numerous lives by reducing infections and associated complications.