Hydroxyurea for abnormal TCDs: safe to switch?

Blood. 2016 Apr 7;127(14):1738-40. doi: 10.1182/blood-2016-02-699074.

Abstract

In this issue of Blood, Bernaudin et al report that chronic red blood cell transfusions can be safely replaced with hydroxyurea therapy or bone marrow transplantation for a cohort of children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities. These data nicely complement the recently published results from the phase 3 multicenter TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) study and suggest that it may be safe to carefully transition a subset of patients from chronic transfusions to hydroxyurea therapy.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Sickle Cell*
  • Blood Transfusion*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Stroke*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial*

Substances

  • Hydroxyurea