Effect of hydroxyurea on physical fitness indices in children with sickle cell anemia

Yasser A. Wali, Hisham Moheeb

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The current studies aimed at determining physical fitness indices and anthropometrics profiles of children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) after the use of hydroxyurea (HU). Ninety-three male schoolchildren - who participated previously in a similar study before the introduction of HU - comprising 2 groups participated in the studies. Group 1 was 41 children who were suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) and were on HU for a minimum of 2 years, whereas group 2 was 50 normal healthy controls. Anthropometrics measurement and parameters of physical fitness were assessed in all subjects. All children were also subjected to a minimum of 6-minute running exercise test on a flat motorized treadmill at speed corresponding to 5 km/h. Throughout the test heart rate was monitored and recorded during exercise and for 10 minutes during recovery. Blood hemoglobin (Hb) and HbF% were measured after the use of HU. The mean values of weight, height, and lean body mass were still lower in the SCD children (P < .05) compared with the healthy subjects. However, they had significant decrease in the mean heart rate values and they spent longer time on the treadmill before they got tired compared to their previous performance and were just below the normal controls. Hydroxyurea treatment improved the aerobic exercise tolerance and most of the physical fitness parameters in children with SCD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-50
Number of pages8
JournalPediatric Hematology and Oncology
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2011

Keywords

  • hemoglobinopathies
  • pediatrics
  • sickle cell disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Hematology
  • Oncology

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