Hydroxyurea treatment for adult sickle cell anemia patients in Kinshasa

Background: Despite a high incidence of sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea (HU) treatment is rarely used in the DR Congo. This study aims to assess the efficacy of HU, the incidence of side effects that may limit its use in adults and to determine the dose needed for clinical improvement in patients. Methods: In a prospective study, patients received an initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day which was increased by 5 mg/kg every 6 months, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg/day. The response and side effects to HU were evaluated biologically and clinically every 3 months during a 2-year period. Results: Seventy adult patients with a moderate or severe clinical phenotype initiated treatment. Only minor side effects were reported. At the end of the 2-year treatment phase, 45 (64.3%) had dropped out, of whom 33 were without a clear reason. Clinical and biological improvement was more marked during the first year. There was a reduction in severe vaso-occlusive crises (p < 0.001), need for transfusion (p < 0.001), and hospitalization days (p = 0.038). Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels increased on average 2.9 times after 12 months (p < 0.001). The increase in mean corpuscular volume was greater in the first year (p < 0.001) than in the second year (p = 0.041). The decrease in leukocytes (p < 0.001) was significant during the first year. In 70% of patients, the 20 mg/kg/day dose was needed to reach the 20% HbF threshold. Conclusion: HU is effective and well tolerated. The magnitude of the response varies from one patient to another. Improvement of clinical manifestations is achieved in most patients with a relatively low dose. Effective implementation of HU treatment will require improved adherence to treatment.