Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Role of Hydroxyurea (HU) in reduction of Packed red blood cell (PRC)transfusion requirement amongst children having transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia major

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Dr. Amol Suryavanshi, 2Dr. Prashant Agaldare, 3Dr. Prabha Khaire, 4Dr. Pritamkumar B. Chimane, 5Dr. Mugdha Ketkar, 6Dr.Siddheshwar Lakhe

Abstract

Objective: To study effectiveness, safety profile, side effect of hydroxyurea (HU) to decrease need of PRC transfusions in children with β-thalassemia major. Study design: Single-Centre open-label randomized control trial Setting: Thalassemia Clinic of GMCH, Aurangabad Participants: 58 patients are enrolled in this study out of which 27 were included in HU group and 28 were in control group, after exclusion and inclusion criteria. Intervention: Randomization done by stratified block method with concealed allocation. Before starting hydroxyurea, all patient went through physical examination and routine biochemical laboratory tests. The intervention group receives Hydroxyurea10 to 20 mg/kg/day as a single dose daily for12 months while the control group receives a placebo. All were monitored for 12 months. All other standard treatment including iron chelation were continued. The statistical analysis was based on intention to treat. Outcome: Reduction of PRC transfusion requirement during the treatment period was the primary outcome and to study the safety profile and side effect of hydroxyurea were considered as secondary outcome. Result: Mean Hb ± 2SD was 7.29 ± 1.67 at enrolment and 9.25 ± 1.81 after 12 months in study group (P=0.0001), It was 7.41 ± 1.71 at enrolment and 8.53 ± 1.84 after 12 months in Control group (P=0.02). Percentage drop in Mean Annual blood requirement (ABR) was (ml/kg/year) in 21% in study group as compare to control group (8%). Mild (Hb rise 0-5%) response was observed in 2 (7.4%) Cases, Moderate (Hb rise 5-10%) in 23 (85.18%) and marked (Hb rise >10%) in 2 (7.4%) cases was observed. Hydroxyurea was well tolerated in and we got no remarkable adverse effect. Conclusion: Hydroxyurea can be safely prescribed to transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major patients for reduction their transfusion requirements.

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