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Lewis J, Guilcher GMT, Greenway SC. Reviewing the impact of hydroxyurea on DNA methylation and its potential clinical implications in sickle cell disease. Eur J Haematol 2024. [PMID: 38831675 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most common drug therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). The clinical benefits of HU derive from its upregulation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which reduces aggregation of the mutated sickle hemoglobin protein (HbS) and reduces SCD symptoms and complications. However, some individuals do not respond to HU, or stop responding over time. Unfortunately, current understanding of the mechanism of action of HU is limited, hindering the ability of clinicians to identify those patients who will respond to HU and to optimize treatment for those receiving HU. Given that epigenetic modifications are essential to erythropoiesis and HbF expression, we hypothesize that some effects of HU may be mediated by epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation. However, few studies have investigated this possibility and the effects of HU on DNA methylation remain relatively understudied. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking HU treatment to DNA methylation changes and associated gene expression changes, with an emphasis on studies that were performed in individuals with SCD. Overall, although HU can affect DNA methylation, research on these changes and their clinical effects remains limited. Further study is likely to contribute to our understanding of hematopoiesis and benefit patients suffering from SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Lewis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences and Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gregory M T Guilcher
- Department of Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven C Greenway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences and Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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2
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Wang WC, Brown RC, McNaull MA, Rogers ZR, Barton M, Dua MR, Hankins JS, Gossett J, Richardson J, Porter JS, Kang G, Estepp JH. Intensive hydroxyurea dosing in very young children with sickle cell anemia. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6931-6935. [PMID: 37695741 PMCID: PMC10685164 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022009613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Winfred C. Wang
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - R. Clark Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Melissa A. McNaull
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Zora R. Rogers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Martha Barton
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Meghna R. Dua
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jane S. Hankins
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jeffrey Gossett
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Julie Richardson
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jerlym S. Porter
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Guolian Kang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jeremie H. Estepp
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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3
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Dos Santos Neres JS, Yahouédéhou SCMA, Goncalves MS. Effectiveness of Pharmacokinetic-Guided Hydroxyurea Dose Individualization in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia: A Mini-Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:857. [PMID: 37375804 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inconsistent therapeutic responses have been observed among patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) undergoing hydroxyurea (HU) following the adoption of the standardized protocol. Moreover, this treatment regimen necessitates a prolonged period to reach the maximum tolerated dose in which beneficial therapeutic effects are observed in most SCA patients. To overcome this limitation, several studies have performed HU dose adjustments in SCA patients based on individualized pharmacokinetic profiles. The present systematic mini-review aims to select and analyze published data to present an overview of HU pharmacokinetics studies performed in SCA patients, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the dose adjustment strategy. A systematic search was performed in the Embase, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Google Scholar, and the Virtual Library of Health databases from December 2020 to August 2022, with a total of five studies included. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies in which the dose adjustment was performed in SCA patients based on pharmacokinetic parameters. Quality analyzes were performed using QAT, while data synthesis was performed according to the Cochrane Manual of Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Analysis of the selected studies revealed improved HU treatment effectiveness using personalized dosages in SCA patients. Moreover, several laboratory parameters were utilized as biomarkers of the HU response, and methods designed to simplify the adoption of this practice were presented. Despite the scarcity of studies on this topic, HU-personalized treatment based on individualized pharmacokinetic profiles represents a viable alternative for SCA patients who are candidates for HU therapy, especially for pediatric patients. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022344512.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelma Santana Dos Santos Neres
- Laboratório de Investigação em Genética e Hematologia Translacional, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fiocruz-BA, Salvador 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Sètondji Cocou Modeste Alexandre Yahouédéhou
- Laboratório de Investigação em Genética e Hematologia Translacional, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fiocruz-BA, Salvador 40296-710, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Anemia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Marilda Souza Goncalves
- Laboratório de Investigação em Genética e Hematologia Translacional, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fiocruz-BA, Salvador 40296-710, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Anemia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40170-110, Brazil
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited diseases worldwide. It is associated with lifelong morbidity and a reduced life expectancy. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), an oral chemotherapeutic drug, ameliorates some of the clinical problems of SCD, in particular that of pain, by raising foetal haemoglobin (HbF). This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES The aims of this review are to determine through a review of randomised or quasi-randomised studies whether the use of hydroxyurea in people with SCD alters the pattern of acute events, including pain; prevents, delays or reverses organ dysfunction; alters mortality and quality of life; or is associated with adverse effects. In addition, we hoped to assess whether the response to hydroxyurea in SCD varies with the type of SCD, age of the individual, duration and dose of treatment, and healthcare setting. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Haemoglobinopathies Register, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched online trial registries. The date of the most recent search was 17 February 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs and quasi-RCTs), of one month or longer, comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard therapy in people with SCD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, carried out data extraction, assessed the risk of bias and assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included nine RCTs recruiting 1104 adults and children with SCD (haemoglobin SS (HbSS), haemoglobin SC (HbSC) or haemoglobin Sβºthalassaemia (HbSβºthal) genotypes). Studies lasted from six to 30 months. We judged the quality of the evidence for the first two comparisons below as moderate to low as the studies contributing to these comparisons were mostly large and well-designed (and at low risk of bias); however, the evidence was limited and imprecise for some outcomes such as quality of life, deaths during the studies and adverse events, and the results are applicable only to individuals with HbSS and HbSβºthal genotypes. We judged the quality of the evidence for the third and fourth comparisons to be very low due to the limited number of participants, the lack of statistical power (both studies were terminated early with approximately only 20% of their target sample size recruited) and the lack of applicability to all age groups and genotypes. Hydroxyurea versus placebo Five studies (784 adults and children with HbSS or HbSβºthal) compared hydroxyurea to placebo; four recruited individuals with only severe disease and one recruited individuals with all disease severities. Hydroxyurea probably improves pain alteration (using measures such as pain crisis frequency, duration, intensity, hospital admissions and opoid use) and life-threatening illness, but we found no difference in death rates (10 deaths occurred during the studies, but the rates did not differ by treatment group) (all moderate-quality evidence). Hydroxyurea may improve measures of HbF (low-quality evidence) and probably decreases neutrophil counts (moderate-quality evidence). There were no consistent differences in terms of quality of life and adverse events (including serious or life-threatening events) (low-quality evidence). There were fewer occurrences of acute chest syndrome and blood transfusions in the hydroxyurea groups. Hydroxyurea and phlebotomy versus transfusion and chelation Two studies (254 children with HbSS or HbSβºthal also with risk of primary or secondary stroke) contributed to this comparison. There were no consistent differences in terms of pain alteration, death or adverse events (low-quality evidence) or life-threatening illness (moderate-quality evidence). Hydroxyurea with phlebotomy probably increased HbF and decreased neutrophil counts (moderate-quality evidence), but there were more occurrences of acute chest syndrome and infections. Quality of life was not reported. In the primary prevention study, no strokes occurred in either treatment group but in the secondary prevention study, seven strokes occurred in the hydroxyurea and phlebotomy group (none in the transfusion and chelation group) and the study was terminated early. Hydroxyurea versus observation One study (22 children with HbSS or HbSβºthal also at risk of stoke) compared hydroxyurea to observation. Pain alteration and quality of life were not reported. There were no differences in life-threatening illness, death (no deaths reported in either group) or adverse events (very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if hydroxyurea improves HbF or decreases neutrophil counts (very low-quality evidence). Treatment regimens with and without hydroxyurea One study (44 adults and children with HbSC) compared treatment regimens with and without hydroxyurea. Pain alteration, life-threatening illness and quality of life were not reported. There were no differences in death rates (no deaths reported in either group), adverse events or neutrophil levels (very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if hydroxyurea improves HbF (very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest that hydroxyurea may be effective in decreasing the frequency of pain episodes and other acute complications in adults and children with sickle cell anaemia of HbSS or HbSβºthal genotypes and in preventing life-threatening neurological events in those with sickle cell anaemia at risk of primary stroke by maintaining transcranial Doppler velocities. However, there is still insufficient evidence on the long-term benefits of hydroxyurea, particularly with regard to preventing chronic complications of SCD, or recommending a standard dose or dose escalation to maximum tolerated dose. There is also insufficient evidence about the long-term risks of hydroxyurea, including its effects on fertility and reproduction. Evidence is also limited on the effects of hydroxyurea on individuals with the HbSC genotype. Future studies should be designed to address such uncertainties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Rankine-Mullings
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Sarah J Nevitt
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Creary SE, Beeman C, Stanek J, King K, McGann PT, O’Brien SH, Liem RI, Holl J, Badawy SM. Impact of hydroxyurea dose and adherence on hematologic outcomes for children with sickle cell anemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29607. [PMID: 35373884 PMCID: PMC9038671 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea is the primary treatment for sickle cell anemia (SCA), yet real-world implementation in high-income settings is suboptimal. Variation in prescribed hydroxyurea dose and patient adherence in these settings can both affect actual exposure to hydroxyurea. Quantifying the contributions of hydroxyurea dose and medication adherence to the relationship between hydroxyurea exposure and hematologic parameters could inform strategies to optimize exposure and improve outcomes. PROCEDURE We evaluated the relationship between hydroxyurea exposure, defined by average prescribed dose and adherence, and hematologic parameters using data from children with SCA who were enrolled in two prospective hydroxyurea adherence studies. Hydroxyurea adherence was assessed by video directly observed therapy or electronic pill bottle and medication administration record. Average prescribed dose was abstracted from prescriptions in patients' electronic medical record. Participants with a hydroxyurea exposure >20 mg/kg/day and ≤20 mg/kg/day were included in the higher and lower exposure groups, respectively. RESULTS Forty-five participants were included in the analysis (56% male; median age 12 years [range 2-19]; 98% Black). Higher exposed participants (n = 23) were prescribed a higher dose (27.2 vs. 24.4 mg/kg/day, p = .002) and had better adherence (0.92 vs. 0.71, p ≤ .001) compared to lower exposed participants (n = 22). Higher exposure was associated with higher fetal hemoglobin (p = .04) and mean corpuscular volume (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS Higher hydroxyurea exposure is associated with improved hematologic parameters in the high-income setting and is affected by both prescribed dose and adherence. Future studies are needed to optimize both adherence and hydroxyurea prescribing and confirm that increasing exposure improves clinical outcomes in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Creary
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes, Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children’s Hospital & The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Chase Beeman
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes, Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Joseph Stanek
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children’s Hospital & The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kathryn King
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Patrick T. McGann
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes, Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children’s Hospital & The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Robert I. Liem
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jane Holl
- Department of Neurology and Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Sherif M. Badawy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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6
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Elenga N, Kayemba-Kay's S, Nacher M, Archer N. A call to start hydroxyurea by 6 months of age and before the advent of sickle cell disease complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29423. [PMID: 34818451 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Narcisse Elenga
- Sickle Cell Disease Center, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, French Guiana, Cayenne, France
| | | | - Mathieu Nacher
- INSERM U1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, French Guiana, Cayenne, France
| | - Natasha Archer
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Karkoska K, McGann PT. How I approach disease-modifying therapy in children with sickle cell disease in an era of novel therapies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29363. [PMID: 34550643 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Finally,after decades of stagnation, the therapeutic landscape for sickle cell disease (SCD) is changing with an increasing number of novel therapeutics. Hydroxyurea remains the primary disease-modifying therapy and, when started early in life with maintenance of an optimal dose, can reduce many SCD-related complications. To complement hydroxyurea, there are a growing number of pharmacologic options with additional efforts focused on the development and optimization of curative therapies. Here, we review current treatment options and provide recommendations as to how to approach the treatment of children and adolescents within this evolving therapeutic landscape to allow for full and healthy lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Karkoska
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick T McGann
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Quinn CT, Niss O, Dong M, Pfeiffer A, Korpik J, Reynaud M, Bonar H, Kalfa TA, Smart LR, Malik P, Ware RE, Vinks AA, McGann PT. Early initiation of hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) using individualised, pharmacokinetics-guided dosing can produce sustained and nearly pancellular expression of fetal haemoglobin in children with sickle cell anaemia. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:617-625. [PMID: 34227124 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) is an effective treatment for sickle cell anaemia (SCA), but clinical responses depend primarily upon the degree of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) induction and the heterogeneity of HbF expression across erythrocytes. The number and characteristics of HbF-containing cells (F-cells) are not assessed by traditional HbF measurements. Conventional hydroxyurea dosing (e.g. fixed doses or low starting doses with stepwise escalation) produces a moderate heterocellular HbF induction, but haemolysis and clinical complications continue. Robust, pancellular HbF induction is needed to minimise or fully inhibit polymerisation of sickle haemoglobin. We treated children with hydroxyurea using an individualised, pharmacokinetics-guided regimen starting at predicted maximum tolerated dose (MTD). We observed sustained HbF induction (mean >30%) for up to 6 years, which was not dependent on genetic determinants of HbF expression. Nearly 70% of patients had ≥80% F-cells (near-pancellular), and almost half had ≥90% F-cells (pancellular). The mean HbF/F-cell content was ~12 pg. Earlier age of initiation and better medication adherence were associated with high F-cell responses. In summary, early initiation of hydroxyurea using pharmacokinetics-guided starting doses at predicted MTD can achieve sustained near-pancellular or pancellular HbF expression and should be considered an achievable goal for children with SCA treated with hydroxyurea at optimal doses. Clinical trial registration number: NCT02286154 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Quinn
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Omar Niss
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amanda Pfeiffer
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer Korpik
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary Reynaud
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Immunopathology Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Holly Bonar
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Immunopathology Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Theodosia A Kalfa
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Luke R Smart
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Russell E Ware
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alexander A Vinks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Patrick T McGann
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Karkoska K, Todd K, Niss O, Clapp K, Fenchel L, Kalfa TA, Malik P, Quinn CT, Ware RE, McGann PT. Implementation of near-universal hydroxyurea uptake among children with sickle cell anemia: A single-center experience. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29008. [PMID: 33742510 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Without early initiation of disease-modifying therapy, the acute and chronic complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA) begin early in childhood and progress throughout life. Hydroxyurea is a safe and effective medication that reduces or prevents most SCA-related complications. Despite recommendations to prescribe hydroxyurea for all children with SCA as young as 9 months, utilization remains low. PROCEDURE We completed a retrospective review of hydroxyurea-prescribing practices and associated clinical outcomes at our institution over a 10-year period before and after the 2014 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommendations to use hydroxyurea for all children with SCA. RESULTS Hydroxyurea use more than doubled within our pediatric SCA population from 43% in 2010 to 95% in 2019. The age of hydroxyurea initiation was significantly younger during 2014-2019 compared to 2010-2013 (median 2 years vs. 6 years, p ≤ .001). With this change in clinical practice, nearly all (69/71 = 97%) children born after 2013 received disease-modifying therapy by the end of 2019, primarily hydroxyurea (93%). Concurrently, the number of SCA-related admissions significantly decreased from 67/100 patient-years in 2010 to 39/100 patient-years in 2019 (p < .001). CONCLUSION The early and universal prescription of hydroxyurea for children with SCA is the standard of care. Here, we demonstrate that a careful and deliberate commitment to follow this guideline in clinical practice is feasible and results in measurable improvements in clinical outcomes. Our approach and improved outcomes can serve as a model for other programs to expand their hydroxyurea use for more children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Karkoska
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kevin Todd
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Omar Niss
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kelly Clapp
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lynette Fenchel
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Theodosia A Kalfa
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Charles T Quinn
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Russell E Ware
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick T McGann
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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