Adult sickle cell drug good for youngsters

MEMPHIS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Scientists in Memphis, Tenn., say a drug used to treat of sickle cell anemia in adults also is effective in very young children with the disorder.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that can cause severe pain, fatigue, and damage to one's kidneys, spleen, and liver. It occurs in about one in every 500 African-Americans.

In the recent study, 21 children from two to four years old with sickle cell anemia were given the drug hydroxyurea orally as a flavored liquid formula.

The drug's primary function, to counteract the effects of the disease by increasing and sustaining fetal hemoglobin production, was achieved in all study participants.

Patients treated with hydroxyurea weighed more and were taller than untreated children with the disease. They also experienced significantly fewer incidents of acute chest syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disorder associated with sickle cell anemia.

"This study demonstrates that hydroxyurea is an efficient and safe treatment option for young children with sickle cell anemia," said Dr. Jane Hankins of the St. Jude Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center and lead study author.

The study results will be published in the October 1 issue of the journal Blood.