Fixed Low-Dose Hydroxyurea Therapy: A Strategy for Reducing Emergency
Room Visits and Improving Treatment Adherence in Paediatric Sickle Cell
Anaemia in Resource-Limited Settings
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a prevalent genetic
disorder in sub-Saharan Africa, characterised by frequent vaso-occlusive
crises and other complications. Hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) has
proven effective in managing SCA but is underutilised in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) due to cost and monitoring challenges.
This study aims to ascertain the impact of a fixed low-dose
hydroxycarbamide regimen on emergency room visits and treatment
adherence for paediatric SCA patients in a resource-limited setting.
Methods: An observational study was conducted over two years
(January 2022 to December 2023) in a tertiary hospital in South East
Nigeria. One hundred children aged 1 to 18 years with confirmed SCA
(HbSS genotype) were administered a fixed low-dose hydroxycarbamide
regimen (20 mg/kg/day, capped at 500 mg/day). The primary outcome was
the number of emergency room visits due to SCA-related crises. Secondary
outcomes included treatment adherence and factors influencing adherence.
Patients experiencing breakthrough crises had their doses increased to
25 mg/kg/day or from 500 mg to 750 mg. Results: Over the study
period, only one patient (0.01%) on the fixed low-dose regimen
presented to the clinical emergency room with a vaso-occlusive crisis,
necessitating a dose increase. Treatment adherence was high, with 84.2%
of patients reporting consistent adherence throughout the study period.
Younger patients were more likely to adhere to treatment (mean age of
compliant patients: 8.49 ± 5.28 years vs. non-compliant: 11.62 ± 4.21
years, p=0.027). Father’s age was also associated with adherence, with
non-compliant patients having older fathers (median age 49.0 vs. 44.0
years, p=0.02). No significant clinical side effects were observed.
Conclusion: The fixed low-dose hydroxycarbamide regimen
significantly reduced emergency room visits and demonstrated high
adherence rates among paediatric SCA patients in a resource-limited
setting. This approach appears to be a safe, effective, and feasible
treatment strategy for managing SCA in LMICs, potentially improving
accessibility and sustainability of care.