What is the goal of hydroxyurea therapy in children with sickle cell anemia?
The goal of hydroxyurea therapy in children with sickle cell anemia is to lower transcranial Doppler (TCD) flow velocities and reduce the risk of cerebrovascular events such as silent cerebral infarcts and stroke. Studies such as the Belgian experience, STOP II, and STOP have found that hydroxyurea therapy is effective in lowering TCD velocities, which in turn reduces the risk of stroke in these children.