Muhammad Waqar Rabbani, Muhmmad Aslam Sheikh, Rubina Tousif, Erum Afzal, Imran Iqbal.
Effectiveness of hydroxyurea in reducing the transfusion requirements in patients with beta thalassemia major.
Pak Paed J Jan ;38(1):31-5.

Objective: To compare the mean of total packed red blood cells, transfused in thalassemia major patients during 6 months period before and after the start of hydroxyurea (HU) therapy. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Setting: Thalassemia Centre, The Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health (CH/ICH) Multan. Duration with dates: From November 2010 to Dec. 2012 Subjects & Methods: Thalassemia major patients regularly attending the Thalassemia center, the CH/ICH Multan, fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. After enrollment in the study, previous record of each child was checked. Mean of the total packed red blood cells transfused during the previous 6 months were calculated (in milliliters). Hydroxyurea was started in a dose of 20 mg/kg/day in all patients. Compliance of the drug intake was ensured by counseling and regular follow up. All the information including difference in means of total packed red blood cells, transfused during 6 months before and after the start of HU therapy (outcome) was recorded on a predesigned proforma. Results: Out of 90 patients, 72 were male (80%). Difference in means of total packed red blood cell transfused before and after hydroxyurea therapy was 86.67(ml) which was not statistically significant (p=0.140). Conclusion: There is a difference in packed red blood cell transfused before and after HU therapy, reflecting the efficacy of HU in thalassemic patients.

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