Drug reduces US hospitalizations and cost of treating young sickle cell anemia sufferers

摘要

A recent report, published in Pediatrics, has revealed that the drug hydroxyurea (also known as hydroxycarbamide), which has already been established as effective in treating patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), has reduced hospitalizations and cut annual estimated medical costs by 21% for infants and toddlers affected by the disease in the USA. The new report, led by Winfred Wang of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN, USA), highlights the economic benefits of expanded use of the drug to extend die length and quality of life for SCA patients of all ages.