Which medication is used to treat sickle cell disease?

Which medication is used to treat sickle cell disease?

• A. Penicillin
• B. Aspirin
• C. Hydroxycarbamide
• D. Erythropoietin

Answer: (C)

Hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) is used in sickle cell disease to modify the course of the illness. It increases the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells. HbF does not participate in the same polymerization that causes red cells to sickle, so with more HbF, red cells stay more flexible and less likely to become sticky and block small vessels. This reduces the frequency and severity of painful crises and other complications like acute chest syndrome, leading to fewer hospitalizations and potential survival benefits. It is a disease-modifying therapy rather than just treating symptoms. Penicillin helps prevent serious infections in young children with sickle cell disease but does not change the sickling process. Aspirin can help with pain management in some contexts but does not address the underlying problem. Erythropoietin boosts red cell production but does not reduce HbS polymerization and is not a standard disease-modifying treatment for sickle cell disease.

Hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) is used in sickle cell disease to modify the course of the illness. It increases the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells. HbF does not participate in the same polymerization that causes red cells to sickle, so with more HbF, red cells stay more flexible and less likely to become sticky and block small vessels. This reduces the frequency and severity of painful crises and other complications like acute chest syndrome, leading to fewer hospitalizations and potential survival benefits. It is a disease-modifying therapy rather than just treating symptoms.

Penicillin helps prevent serious infections in young children with sickle cell disease but does not change the sickling process. Aspirin can help with pain management in some contexts but does not address the underlying problem. Erythropoietin boosts red cell production but does not reduce HbS polymerization and is not a standard disease-modifying treatment for sickle cell disease.