Effect of hydroxyurea on growth in children with sickle cell anemia: results of the HUG-KIDS Study.

2002

https://researcherprofiles.org/profile/1426061

11865275

Wang WC, Helms RW, Lynn HS, Redding-Lallinger R, Gee BE, Ohene-Frempong K, Smith-Whitley K, Waclawiw MA, Vichinsky EP, Styles LA, Ware RE, Kinney TR

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Although hydroxyurea is effective in treating adults with sickle-cell anemia (SCA), there is concern that it may adversely affect growth in children. We report the growth characteristics of patients in the Phase I-II pediatric hydroxyurea trial (HUG-KIDS) before and during treatment at the maximum tolerated dose for one year.

STUDY DESIGN

Children and adolescents with SCA (n = 68), aged 5 to 16 years at baseline, reached the maximum tolerated dose and had serial height, weight, and Tanner stage measurements. Data from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) were used for comparison. Mixed-effects models were used to compare serial measurements as a function of age and group.

RESULTS

In girls, there were no significant differences in height or weight among the pretreatment, on-treatment, and CSSCD groups. Compared with the CSSCD group, HUG-KIDS boys were heavier starting at age 9 years, and pretreatment HUG-KIDS boys were taller starting at age 7 years. The Tanner stage transitions took place at appropriate ages.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroxyurea treatment had no adverse effect on height or weight gain or pubertal development in school-aged children with SCA.

Journal Issue

Volume 140 of Issue 2