A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Growth, Development, Fertility and Reproductive Outcomes Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Anemia With Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea is a medicine that helps people with sickle cell anemia (SCA), a serious blood disease. It works by increasing a special type of hemoglobin (called fetal hemoglobin) that helps prevent sickle cell problems.

This medicine is especially helpful in places where it's hard to get safe blood transfusions. Studies from around the world have shown that hydroxyurea is safe and can reduce serious health problems caused by SCA (like pain, strokes, and lung issues). It can also help people with SCA live longer, healthier lives.

However, the investigators still don't know everything about how hydroxyurea affects long-term growth, puberty, fertility, or pregnancy; especially in areas with fewer medical resources.

To learn more, researchers are planning a large international study. They will follow people with SCA over time to see how hydroxyurea affects their development, ability to have children, and pregnancy outcomes. Participants will visit the clinic every few months for check-ups, blood tests, and other health assessments. Girls who have started their periods will take pregnancy tests every six months, and boys may be asked to provide a semen sample if they agree. Everyone will also answer questions about their health and fertility regularly.