Discussion Forums > Working Towards a Cure

hydroxyurea

<< < (3/6) > >>

surendra:
definitely Andy, I'll ask my doctor for prescribed dose in our next visit. As he is famous haematologist in our city(pune). Thanks for your kind concern and care.

I want to ask a question that should we go through for her DNA test now before starting hydroxyurea or start it now with the dose of 15-20mg/kg/d.

 

JV:
Andy...why do you think the major Thal centers such as CHOP and Cornell are not as informed with this treatment? Do you think it is because its cheap and less expensive as chronic transfusions?

Andy Battaglia:
I think US doctors have been slow to use hydroxyurea because they are comfortable with the system of transfusion and chelation. In addition, most of the long term studies on the drug's use in thal has been outside the western world. And of course, you're not going to have any big drug companies pushing for it, so it may be also a case of out of sight, out of mind. The results are also very hard to predict, so that may be another factor why doctors are hesitant.

surendra:
hi Andy
we have started hydroxyurea since last 15 days (500mg every 3rd day). Now we have checked Hb and it is 8.7. We have planned to go transfusion on saturday. Should we wait for hydroxyurea to show its effects or go for the transfusion????
 

Andy Battaglia:
It takes months to even begin to judge the value of hydroxyurea, and this judgment is based on the percentage of HbF present. It can take more than two years to measure the full effect, but therapy will only continue that long if a steady rise in HbF percentage is seen. At this point, there may be little choice but to continue the transfusion regimen if the child suffers from the effects of low Hb. If the child is fine at a lower Hb, extending the gap between transfusions can be tried. Research has shown that adding L-carnitine and magnesium with hydroxyurea can improve the effects of the drug.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page