The association of oral hydroxyurea therapy with improved cognitive functioning in sickle cell disease.

Abstract

This study examined potential cognitive benefits of oral hydroxyurea therapy for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Cognitive abilities of 15 children with SCD on hydroxyurea were compared to 50 other children with SCD, controlling for demographics and hematocrit. Children on hydroxyurea scored significantly higher on tests of verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, and general cognitive ability than children not on the drug. The data therefore provide preliminary evidence of cognitive benefits of hydroxyurea. Mechanisms for this effect may be improved blood/oxygen supply to the brain or reduced fatigue and illness.

• Authors: Eve Puffer, Jeffrey Schatz, Carla W Roberts
• Journal: Child neuropsychology : a journal on normal and abnormal development in childhood and adolescence (Child Neuropsychol) Vol. 13 Issue 2 Pg. 142-54 (Mar 2007) ISSN: 0929-7049 [Print] England
• PMID: 17364571 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antisickling Agents
• Hydroxyurea

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anemia, Sickle Cell (complications, drug therapy)
• Antisickling Agents (therapeutic use)
• Aptitude (drug effects)
• Child
• Cognition Disorders (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Comprehension (drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxyurea (therapeutic use)
• Long-Term Care
• Male
• Memory, Short-Term (drug effects)
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Reaction Time (drug effects)
• Retention, Psychology (drug effects)
• Verbal Learning (drug effects)