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Published on: March 14, 2017
Hydroxyurea use among children with sickle cell anemia
Sarah L Reeves1,2, Hannah K Jary1, Jennifer P Gondhi1
1Susan B Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Hydroxyurea adherence is low for children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), with only 18% receiving adequate medication days. Strategies are needed to improve hydroxyurea use in pediatric SCA patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Public Health
- Pharmacotherapy
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a serious inherited blood disorder.
- Hydroxyurea is a recommended treatment for pediatric SCA.
- Adherence to hydroxyurea therapy is crucial for managing SCA complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hydroxyurea dispensing patterns in children with SCA.
- To evaluate adherence to hydroxyurea therapy based on dispensed days.
- To identify variations in hydroxyurea use across states.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of administrative claims data.
- Study population: 7963 children (ages 1-17) with SCA enrolled in Medicaid in six states (2005-2012).
- Hydroxyurea dispensing data summarized by state and year.
Main Results:
- A total of 22,424 person-years were analyzed.
- Among children receiving hydroxyurea for >30 days, only 18% received ≥300 days of supply.
- Significant state-level variation in hydroxyurea dispensing was observed.
Conclusions:
- Current hydroxyurea adherence among pediatric SCA patients is suboptimal.
- Updated recommendations emphasize offering hydroxyurea to all children with SCA.
- Development of targeted strategies is necessary to improve hydroxyurea adherence in this population.
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