Impact of Hydroxyurea Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia: A 5-year Study at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi

ABSTRACT Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a chronic, debilitating condition prevalent in Nigeria. Hydroxyurea therapy has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of disease complications. However, its uptake in Nigeria has been limited due to concerns about safety, accessibility, and awareness. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory outcomes of children with SCA on hydroxyurea therapy at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria. Atotal of 43 children diagnosed with SCAwere followed after initiation of hydroxyurea therapy. Data on socio demographic characteristics, frequency of SCA-related events and laboratory parameters were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment outcomes, and adverse effects were recorded. The majority (65.1%) of the children were diagnosed with SCA by age two, and 60.5% started hydroxyurea within two years of diagnosis. Hydroxyurea therapy significantly reduced the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (mean reduction from 7.70 to 1.91, p = .000), hospital admissions (mean reduction from 2.60 to 0.84, p = .000), and blood transfusions (mean reduction from 1.51 to 0.40, p = .005). Hospital stay duration also decreased significantly (p = .001). Laboratory findings showed significant reductions in WBC count (p = .001) and increases in MCV, while hemoglobin levels remained stable. Mild skin pigmentation and dizziness were observed as adverse effects. Low-dose hydroxyurea therapy in children with SCA resulted in substantial clinical benefits, including reduced disease complications and improved laboratory markers, with minimal adverse effects. Keywords:Clinical outcomes, Hydroxyurea, Nigeria, Peadiatric, Sickle cell anaemia, Vaso-occlusive crises.