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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Albuminuria | Research

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

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

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2024

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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.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Role of hydroxyurea therapy in the prevention of organ damage in sickle cell disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Naveen Khargekar
Anindita Banerjee
Shreyasi Athalye
Namrata Mahajan
Neha Kargutkar
Prashant Tapase
Manisha Madkaikar
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Albuminuria
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02461-z

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