Key Points
Question Do hydroxyurea use (ie, taking the medication at all) and adherence (ie, days taken per week) change over time, and are they associated with patient characteristics among individuals with sickle cell disease?
Findings This cohort study of 2207 participants revealed that overall rates of hydroxyurea use remained stable (range, 47.5% to 49.3%) over 3 yearly follow-up surveys, but use was lowest among older participants. Hydroxyurea adherence significantly declined on average and was negatively associated with difficulties in executive functioning.
Meaning These findings suggest that hydroxyurea use and adherence decline after adolescence and that interventions to promote sustainment of hydroxyurea adherence are needed.
Abstract
Importance Despite established treatment guidelines and strong therapeutic benefit, hydroxyurea remains underused among patients with sickle cell disease.