Which of the following choices is a TRUE statement about the drug Hydroxyurea and its use in therapy for the sickle cell disease population?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydroxyurea is and has been the most commonly prescribed therapy for sickle cell disease since it was approved for use in this patient population in 1998. It works by multiple mechanisms. First, it improves red blood cell survival by inducing production of fetal hemoglobin (HgF) that is resistant to sickling. Second, it lowers the white blood cell count and arrests inflammatory processes. Third, it metabolizes into nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator to help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke. The use of hydroxyurea has been shown to reduce the number of painful episodes, acute chest syndrome, and transfusions as well as to improve overall survival among persons with sickle cell disease. Allogeneic transplant is the only available curative treatment for sickle cell disease.

Which of the Following Choices Is a TRUE Statement About