Predictors Of Hydroxyurea Use In Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Since hydroxyurea emerged as an effective therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD), there have been numerous studies that have demonstrated its safety and efficacy in children and adults with SCD. In their 2014 guidelines, the NHLBI recommended that hydroxyurea treatment should be offered to all infants and children with sickle cell anemia (HbSS and HbS/beta0 thalassemia) starting at 9 months of age. However, hydroxyurea is underused among children and adolescents with SCD and to date, there have been no studies that have identified the specific determinants that may predict hydroxyurea adherence in these patients.