ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2010 | pp. 25–32
DOI: 10.46882/2010/IJH/000004
Original Article
Title: Fetal hemoglobin augmentation by hydroxyurea in adult sickle cell anemia patients: A 1-year kinetic analysis
Names of Authors: Q. R. Aliyu¹, S. T. Bello², U. V. Yakubu³
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; ²Department of Pharmacology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria; ³National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract: Hydroxyurea effectively elevates fetal hemoglobin levels, reducing vaso-occlusive crisis frequency in sickle cell anemia. This longitudinal study tracked 50 adult patients (HbSS phenotype) receiving optimized daily hydroxyurea (15 to 20 mg/kg/day) over 12 months. Serial laboratory evaluations at 3-month intervals monitored fetal hemoglobin percentage, mean corpuscular volume, and absolute neutrophil counts. Baseline fetal hemoglobin rose from a mean of 5.2 ± 1.8% to 18.6 ± 3.4% at month 12 (P < 0.001). Concurrently, mean corpuscular volume increased from 78.4 fl to 102.1 fl, establishing robust cellular macrocytosis as a compliance marker. Hospitalization rates for painful crises dropped by 74%, and acute chest syndrome episodes decreased significantly. Transient bone marrow suppression occurred in 12% of patients, managed successfully via temporary dose reduction. The velocity of fetal hemoglobin accumulation demonstrated a biphasic curve, with the steepest rise occurring between months 3 and 6. These findings confirm predictable therapeutic kinetics and clinical benefits of hydroxyurea optimization in adult sickle cell cohorts within tropical clinical settings.
Keywords: Sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea, fetal hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, vaso-occlusive crisis
Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 05, 2010; Revised: February 18, 2010; Accepted: March 10, 2010; Published: April 14, 2010