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Effect of hydroxyurea on physical fitness indices in children with sickle cell anemia
1Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, Oman. yawali@squ.edu.om
Insights
Hydroxyurea (HU) treatment in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) improved physical fitness and aerobic exercise tolerance. While anthropometric measures remained lower, HU positively impacted exercise capacity in SCA patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Sports Medicine
- Clinical Physiology
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells.
- Children with SCA often exhibit reduced physical fitness and anthropometric deficits.
- Hydroxyurea (HU) is a medication used to manage SCA symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of hydroxyurea (HU) on physical fitness and anthropometric profiles in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA).
- To compare the physical performance of children with SCA on HU against healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed anthropometrics (weight, height, lean body mass) and physical fitness parameters in 41 children with SCA on HU and 50 healthy controls.
- Conducted a 6-minute running exercise test on a treadmill, monitoring heart rate during exercise and recovery.
- Measured blood hemoglobin (Hb) and fetal hemoglobin (HbF%) levels post-HU treatment.
Main Results:
- Children with SCA on HU showed lower mean values for weight, height, and lean body mass compared to healthy controls (P < .05).
- SCA children on HU demonstrated a significant decrease in mean heart rate values and improved exercise duration before fatigue.
- Aerobic exercise tolerance and most physical fitness parameters were enhanced in SCA children following HU treatment.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyurea treatment positively influences physical fitness and aerobic capacity in children with sickle cell anemia.
- Despite persistent anthropometric differences, HU therapy offers significant benefits for exercise performance in pediatric SCA patients.
Abstract:
The current studies aimed at determining physical fitness indices and anthropometrics profiles of children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) after the use of hydroxyurea (HU). Ninety-three male schoolchildren--who participated previously in a similar study before the introduction of HU--comprising 2 groups participated in the studies. Group 1 was 41 children who were suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) and were on HU for a minimum of 2 years, whereas group 2 was 50 normal healthy controls. Anthropometrics measurement and parameters of physical fitness were assessed in all subjects. All children were also subjected to a minimum of 6-minute running exercise test on a flat motorized treadmill at speed corresponding to 5 km/h. Throughout the test heart rate was monitored and recorded during exercise and for 10 minutes during recovery. Blood hemoglobin (Hb) and HbF% were measured after the use of HU. The mean values of weight, height, and lean body mass were still lower in the SCD children (P < .05) compared with the healthy subjects. However, they had significant decrease in the mean heart rate values and they spent longer time on the treadmill before they got tired compared to their previous performance and were just below the normal controls. Hydroxyurea treatment improved the aerobic exercise tolerance and most of the physical fitness parameters in children with SCD.
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