Higher Nocturnal and Awake Oxygen Saturations in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Receiving Hydroxyurea Therapy

Abstract

In children with sickle cell disease, the use of HU was associated with an increase in awake and nocturnal SaO2, despite there being no difference in the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea and the severity of the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. Improving nocturnal SaO2 may be an important mechanism of action of HU therapy. The use of HU to improve nocturnal saturations across the severity spectrum of sickle cell disease may be beneficial in decreasing morbidities related to sickle cell disease.