Effects of hydroxyurea on fertility in male and female sickle cell disease patients. A systemic review and meta-analysis

Sarah Sewaralthahab, Lujain A Alsubki, Maram S Alhrabi and Abdulrahman Alsultan

PLOS ONE, 2024, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Evidence supports the benefits of hydroxyurea (HU) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), but reservations remain due to long-term concerns of fertility. Retrospective analysis of clinical records of SCD patients (haemoglobin SS genotype) have identified gender-related differences in disease progression. This could inform risk stratification during SCD at diagnosis with the possibility to guide therapeutic decisions. Methods: This systemic review and meta-analysis evaluated fertility parameters in both children (aged ≥ 6 years) and adults with SCD receiving HU therapy. Studies were sourced from PubMed and EMBASE from inception to July 2023. A total of 160 potentially relevant articles were identified. Results: Four studies were included that evaluated the effects of HU on sperm parameters in males. A further 4 studies assessed anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and ovarian reserves in females. Differences from baseline values were used to identify compromised fertility. Amongst males, HU treatment negatively impacted the concentration of spermatozoa (MD = -15.48 million/mL; 95% CI: [-20.69, -10.26]; p

Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0304241

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304241

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