New Member, please help me.

I would suggest starting the hydrea again and also adding L-carnitine as a supplement if possible.

Hi Andy,

I have started Hydrea Again after stoping it for 6-7 month.
How safe is this medicine?It will reduce the count? thogh I have used it for one and half year.

Any experience of major side-effect noticed?

Regards
Dip

The conclusions of the Iranian study on hydroxyurea were as follows,

Conclusion: In our study HU was effective for decreasing or cessation the need of regular blood transfusion as well as increasing Hb level in β-thalassemia patients. Also all of the patients could tolerate low-dose treatment with HU in this period without any major side effects. So HU could be a safe alternative to blood transfusion in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients after age of 2 or help to increase Hb level in untransfused TI patients.

You can read more in the post at http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=3799.0

The true judge of how much hydroxyurea is helping has to be your own observations on his energy level and overall health. A child who continues to be lethargic and sickly over a period of time of at least 5 months will probably end up needing transfusions. If health is good, growth is within range and the child is able to participate in normal activities, then transfusions can be avoided.

Hello to everyone,

After a long time I am writing.

My son was doing well after I re started Hydrea his HB was 7.6 and RBC=4.0 on 12th Nov 2012 but when we do CBC on last monday we found his HB is 6.3 and RBC=3.44
During this period he was not sick but he had vomating one day prior to the CBC I belive it was due to digestion problem and he was not taking anything except water.Now he is taking everything as use well.
Does this low Hb is due to nutrition or is it any indication to start transfusion.
He is otherwise very active with HB=6.3
We are planning to go next CBC by next monday.

Please advise/share your experience.

Thanks
Dip

Hi Dip,

The low Hb could be related to being sick the day before. Transfusion usually begins after two consecutive readings below 7. I think they will wait for the next Hb test. You should inform them that there was sickness the day before. It is typical for intermedias to see a drop in Hb whenever sick, so it's best to check the Hb again later. Is an electrophoresis planned? The best way to tell if hydrea is having an effect is by the electrophoresis test, which will reveal if the HbF level is rising. If it rises at least a few points, it shows the desired effect is taking place. The lower RBC does indicate a reduction in bone marrow activity. which is an intended effect of the drug to cut down on ineffective erythropoiesis that produces bad red blood cells. His activity level is also a good sign.

Hi Dip, I also live in Delhi. If u don't mind can you pls tell me which doctor you are consulting.
Thank you.

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your quick reply.We are planning to have another CBC by next week before taking any decison of transusion.
we have never checked the HbF after  starting the hydrea, his initial HbF=23%
I have stop Hydrea from Last monday when I find that RBC =3.44,
I have also seen that his Lymphocytes=2.96 Thou/mm3(limit is 6 to 9)
overall TLC=8.2(limit is 5 to 15)

Hello Mompooja,

I am consulting with Dr.V P Choudhary.
can I ask you the same?

Thanks & regards,
Dip

CBC done on 22nd Jan again.
Hb raise to =7.0

Dip, this is typical of thal intermedia. I am glad you are under the care of Dr Choudhary. I am sure he will guide you well. The most important consideration is the health and growth of the child. With borderline Hb levels, the physical observation of the child is very important, as this helps to guide whether or not transfusions are called for.

Hi Sorry for the late reply I am consulting Dr. Mahajan

Hi Andy,

Thanks!

I have stopped hydrea for last 15days.I belive it is hydrea which reduces the count and HB.I am planing to visit his doctor by this week end. Do u think it is worth to do another CBC before that.
Currently his growth is quite good.Hieght is 50percentile  but weight is relatively low, but he looks  pale and annemic.short breathing sometimes.


regards,
Dip

Hi Andy,

Last week we got another CBC & LFT
Hb raise to 7.2 from 7.0.
Billurubine=3.8 total (3.2+.6)

I have started Hydrea aginwith alower dose.
any suggestion for WG therapy?

regards,
Dip

Hi Andy,

for last three month my son's HB is as follows,

17/03/13        6.9
13/04/13        6.3
18/05/13        6.8
15/06/13        6.8
 SF=56
SB=3.8
child is active.
Does he  need transfusion as HB is lower than 7 for a quiet long period.
his weight  is 19-20 kg
ht=121cm,

He has been prescribed to take erythropoietin injection (2000) once in a week.
what is your comments??

regards
Dip

Hi Dip,

Is he currently using hydroxyurea? I would suggest trying the EPO before deciding on transfusion. EPO and hydroxyurea together may work better than either one alone.

Hi Andy,

Currently he is taking Hydrea 17.5 mg and wheatgrass power juice.
Can we go Hydrea +EPO together ?

Regards,
Dip