Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Practical Guide for Pediatric Clinicians.

Hydroxyurea is the cornerstone therapy for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA; ∼64% of children with SCD) should be started on hydroxyurea as infants and continue treatment throughout childhood. Hydroxyurea reduces acute complications and chronic organ injury in children with SCA. Hydroxyurea may reduce acute complications in children with HbSC and HbSß+ with frequent complications, but the evidence is limited. We recommend a close partnership between the primary care pediatric clinicians and a sickle cell specialist to reduce barriers to starting and maintaining adherence to hydroxyurea.

Duke Scholars

Author John J. Strouse Medicine, Hematology