A Meta-Analysis of Hydroxyurea Use for β-thalassemia: Implications for Clinical Practice and Medical Education

Chronic blood transfusion remains the most feasible therapeutic option for the majority of patients with severe β-thalassemia. However, it is associated with serious risks and complications. An alternative option is desirable and may prevent some of the problems associated with current therapy. Hydroxyurea (HU), an oral chemotherapeutic drug, is expected to increase hemoglobin, thereby minimizing the burden of blood transfusion and its complications. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of HU in patients with severe β-thalassemia. HU appears to be effective, well tolerated and associated with mild and transient adverse events; however, large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be done to confirm such findings. Nonetheless, based on the results of the present meta-analysis, it is recommended that current practice guidelines for severe β-thalassemia be appended to include a trial of HU.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community Health Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Algiraigri, Ali

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kassam, Aliya

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Oddone Paolucci, Elizabeth
• Wright, Nicola

• Education
• Medicine and Surgery

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/24785

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/2643