Hydroxyurea as a first-line treatment of extramedullary hematopoiesis in patients with beta thalassemia: Four case reports
Objective And Importance:
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is evidenced by erythropoietic masses, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism to overcome hypoxia during chronic anemia. EMH masses in spinal cord could lead to cord compression and neurological symptoms. Besides transfusion, radiotherapy, and surgery, hydroxyurea (HU) is also a treatment strategy in EMH.
Clinical Presentation:
We described four cases of beta thalassemia with EMH who were treated with HU as a monotherapy. INTERVENTION (AND TECHNIQUE): HU therapy was done in all patients without any transfusion during therapy.
Conclusion:
HU is a good treatment option for patients with EMH and it could be a substitute for radiotherapy and invasive surgery or regular blood transfusion.
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