Therapeutic Response Evaluation and Adherence Trial (TREAT)

There is now ample clinical evidence that hydroxyurea is a safe and effective medication for adults and children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), and most hematologists agree the short-term safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea has been proven. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have recently released evidence-based guidelines for SCA, recommending that hydroxyurea be offered to all affected children as young as nine months of age, regardless of clinical severity. Despite the overwhelming evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy, hydroxyurea remains underutilized for a variety of reasons. In this prospective study, the investigators will utilize innovative strategies designed to address and overcome some of the barriers that currently limit the use of hydroxyurea for children with SCA. The investigators will utilize novel laboratory techniques and pharmacometric modeling in order to accurately predict the most effective hydroxyurea dose referred to as the maximum tolerated dose. The investigators aim to develop a screening urine test to objectively and accurately determine adherence to hydroxyurea therapy. In addition, the study will document critical laboratory and clinical characteristics of this unique population of patients with SCA who begin hydroxyurea at a young age.

This study will follow two groups of patients. The first group, referred to as the New Cohort, will include mostly young infants who are not receiving hydroxyurea therapy upon entering the study. The starting dose of hydroxyurea for each of the participants in the New Cohort will be individually determined using the novel population PK/PD dose-prediction model. The second group of study participants, referred to as the Old Cohort, will include patients who are already receiving hydroxyurea therapy upon study entry. Both the Old and New Cohort (New Cohort) will be included in the development of a urine biomarker of adherence and will be followed throughout the study to document the effect hydroxyurea has upon organ function and quality of life. It is important to note that this is not a therapeutic drug trial. Prior to enrollment in the study, participants, along with their families and clinical providers, have decided to initiate hydroxyurea therapy for clinical indications. Except for the dose prediction model for the New Cohort, participants will be treated and monitored according to the routine clinical practice guidelines of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (HbSS or Hbβ0-thalassemia)
• Age 6 months to 21 years at the time of enrollment
• Clinical decision by patient, family, and healthcare provider to initiate hydroxyurea therapy, including patients who are transitioning from chronic transfusions to hydroxyurea therapy

Exclusion criteria

• Family unwillingness to sign informed consent or comply with study treatments