Clinical Trial: Pediatric Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia (PED HUG)

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title:

Brief Summary: To determine whether hydroxyurea prevents the onset of chronic end organ damage in young children with sickle cell anemia.

Detailed Summary:

BACKGROUND:

Sickle cell anemia is a complex syndrome with multiple organ system disturbances brought about by the interplay of genetic, humoral, vascular and environmental factors. The clinical course can be one of abrupt and insidious exacerbations and remissions, often migratory and repetitive. These events may result in impairment of function, permanently damaged organs, and ultimately death. Although there is wide variability in the clinical expression of sickle cell disease, this complex set of clinical manifestations is experienced by most patients. In addition, there is no evidence that the primary disease process is different in children when compared with adults with regard to painful episodes. However, children have a higher incidence of respiratory viral infections, and are susceptible to pneumococcal septicemia. With the successful completion of the Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea (MSH) Trial in adults, attention has now been focused on the use of this agent in children.

The Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) has demonstrated that sickle cell anemia patients with increased painful episode rates die at a younger age. In addition, increased levels of fetal hemoglobin are associated with improved survival, and is probably a reliable childhood forecaster of adult life expectancy. The beneficial effect produced by hydroxyurea is thought to occur because it increases fetal hemoglobin levels. Therefore, if chronic end organ damage can be prevented in early childhood by hydroxyurea administration, and if the crisis rate can be decreased by hydroxyurea use early in life, sickle cell anemia patients may experience increased longevity and an improved quality of life.

DESIGN NARRATIVE:

The Phase I-Phase II stu
Sponsor: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Current Primary Outcome:

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Dates:
Date Received: October 27, 1999
Date Started: April 1994
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 15, 2016
Last Verified: October 2005