Hydroxyurea in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
Hydroxyurea in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
This is a retrospective cohort study of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients attending 32
 treatment centers across Italy. The aim of this study will be to report the Italian
 experience with the use of hydroxyurea in a large cohort of SCD patients and to evaluate the
 benefits and safety of this intervention for the prevention and management of a wide range of
 clinical morbidities
The indication for hydroxyurea initiation was 2-3 vaso-occlusive crisis and/or
 hospitalizations in the last year.

 The study will analyze demographics (age and gender), origin, genotype, clinical phenotype
 (vaso-occlusive or hemolytic), transfusion history (including exchange), and folic acid use,
 average laboratory values up to three years pre-hydroxyurea and for the period
 post-hydroxyurea therapy including total hemoglobin level, fetal hemoglobin level, hemoglobin
 S level, white blood count, platelet count, lactate dehydrogenase level, total and direct
 bilirubin levels, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, and serum creatinine level.

 The incidence of complications pre- and post-hydroxyurea therapy will be also analyzed
 including: stroke, silent cerebral infraction, acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crisis,
 hospitalization, pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers, bone necrosis, and kidney injury. Safety
 data included adverse events as reported by the treating physician and the incidence of
 malignancy or death as well as pregnancy incidents and their outcomes will be also pointed
 out.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Sickle Cell Disease affected patients

 -  2-3 vaso-occlusive crisis and/or hospitalizations in the last year

 Exclusion Criteria

 -  none