Changes in haematological indices among children with sickle cell disease on hydroxyurea treatment for at least 1 year: A cohort study
Hydroxyurea resulted in an increase in mean haemoglobin level and a decrease in absolute and differential white blood cell count. The benefit was more pronounced among children with good adherence to hydroxyurea. We add our voice to calls for continued advocacy for the availability of hydroxyurea for use by children with sickle cell disease in low-resource settings. We also recommend a routine complete blood count to monitor response to treatment and also guide patient management among children with sickle cell disease initiated on hydroxyurea.
Authors
- Sarah Kiguli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8764-4161)
- Ritah Nantale (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8433-7054)
- Milton Wamboko Musaba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4145-4044)
- Crispus Tegu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2349-0405)
- David Mukunya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3892-9777)
- Joan Wamulugwa
- Julian Abeso
- Faith Oguttu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7481-3321)
- P.O. Ochieng
- George Passi
- Ruth Namazi
- Stephen Emuli
Institutions
- Mbale Hospital (UG)
- Busitema University (UG)
- Makerere University (UG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS ONE
- Published
- 2025-11-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335617
- Primary Topic
- Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institutes of Health
- Fogarty International Center