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Meta-Analysis Systematic Review Journal Article Epublish 7 citations

PubMed: 38331925 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02461-z

Role of hydroxyurea therapy in the prevention of organ damage in sickle cell disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Syst Rev 13(1):60

Authors: Naveen Khargekar, Anindita Banerjee, Shreyasi Athalye, Namrata Mahajan, Neha Kargutkar, Prashant Tapase, Manisha Madkaikar

Affiliations

  • Department of Haematogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India.
  • Department of Transfusion Transmitted Disease, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India.
  • Department of Haematogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India.
  • Department of Paediatric Immunology & Leukocyte Biology, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Hydroxyurea is an affordable drug that reduces vaso-occlusive crises and transfusion requirements in sickle cell disease. However, its effectiveness in preventing chronic organ damage is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of hydroxyurea in preventing organ morbidity.

METHOD

We included original articles published in English from 1st January 1990 to 31st January 2023, reporting hydroxyurea therapy and organ damage from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and CrossRef databases. A total of 45 studies with 4681 sickle cell disease patients were evaluated for organ damage.

RESULTS

Our analysis showed that hydroxyurea intervention significantly lowered transcranial Doppler and tricuspid regurgitant velocity, with a standardized mean difference of - 1.03 (- 1.49; - 0.58); I 2 = 96% and - 1.37 (CI - 2.31, - 0.42); I 2 = 94%, respectively. Moreover, the pooled estimate for albuminuria showed a beneficial effect post-hydroxyurea therapy by reducing the risk of albuminuria by 58% (risk ratio of 0.42 (0.28; 0.63); I 2 = 28%).

CONCLUSION

Our study found that a hydroxyurea dose above 20 mg/kg/day with a mean rise in HbF by 18.46% post-hydroxyurea therapy had a beneficial role in reducing transcranial doppler velocity, tricuspid regurgitant velocity, albuminuria, and splenic abnormality.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023401187.

MeSH

Cells, Anemia, Sickle Cell, Albuminuria, Therapeutics, Hydroxyurea

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