Resolution of chronic hypoxemia in pediatric sickle cell patients after treatment with hydroxyurea.
Singh SA, Koumbourlis AC, Aygun B
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Schneider Children's Hospital, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.
Chronic hypoxemia is a common manifestation among patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) who develop chronic lung disease. We report the beneficial effect of hydroxyurea on chronic hypoxemia in three pediatric patients with SCA and recurrent episodes of acute chest syndrome (ACS). All three patients improved rapidly after they were treated with hydroxyurea despite having additional risk factors for hypoxemia. A prospective trial is warranted to assess whether there is a therapeutic effect from the use of hydroxyurea in pediatric SCA patients with chronic hypoxemia.
Published 8 April 2008 in Pediatr Blood Cancer, 50(6): 1258-60.
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