TITLE:
Use of Hydroxyurea in Severe Forms of Sickle Cell Disease: Study of 60 Pediatric Cases in Senegal
AUTHORS:
Ibrahima Diop, Indou Deme Ly, Awa Kane, Cielle Fausta Jusdéne Dembi Gane-Bang, Aminata Mbaye, Mame Awa Ndao, Aida Maryam Kane, Mame Fama Niang, Yaye Fatou Mbodj, Ginette Ndong, Fatoumata Fofana, Papa Moctar Faye, Amadou Lamine Fall, Ibrahima Diagne, Ousmane Ndiaye
KEYWORDS:
Sickle Cell Disease, Hydroxyurea, Child
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.6,
October
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a serious illness due to its complications (stroke, acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crises [VOC], etc.). Therapeutic strategies have therefore been developed. These include curative therapies as well as palliative therapies, among which hydroxyurea holds a key role in the management of severe forms of sickle cell disease in children. Our study focused on evaluating the use of hydroxyurea at the Outpatient Care Unit for Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease (USAD) of the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center (CHNEAR) in Dakar. Methodology: This was a prospective, longitudinal, and descriptive study on a cohort of patients monitored for major sickle cell syndrome (MSS) over one (1) year (May 2023-April 2024), enrolling 60 patients. We included all patients followed for MSS who were receiving hydroxyurea treatment and had up-to-date medical records. Results: The patients had an average age of 12 years, with an equal distribution between boys and girls. Complications of sickle cell disease were recorded in 70% of patients, with a high prevalence of stroke (64.29%). Hydroxyurea led to a slight increase in hemoglobin levels after one year of treatment (median of 8.43 g/dl compared to 7.81 g/dl at baseline). Biological parameters such as ASAT and ALAT also showed a downward trend over the course of treatment. Acceptance of hydroxyurea treatment was unanimous among parents, with 80% judging the impact of the treatment as positive, particularly in terms of reduced pain and hospitalizations. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of hydroxyurea in reducing vaso-occlusive crises and hospitalizations in sickle cell patients, thereby improving their quality of life.