Effect of Hydroxy Urea in treatment of patients with thalassemia Intermedia

The β-thalassemia is one of the most common genetically transmitted blood disorders in the world. Sometimes Homozygote people demonstrate milder form of this disorder called intermedia. In this study, the effect of Hydroxy Urea (HU) was investigated in Thalassemia intermedia patients who were treated monthly by packed cell transfusion as patients with major thalassemia in Bu-Ali Hospital of Ardebil. This semi-experimental study consisted of 63 intermediate Thalassemia patients. All patients entered to study after completing inform consent and all transfusions were ceased and patients were treated by HU for 3and 6 months. All patients underwent CBC, Serum ferritin, liver and kidney function tests before starting HU and after 6 months of treatment. Moreover, at the end of 6 months, the patients’ transfusion need was evaluated. The test results were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistical methods (such as tables, graphs) and non-parametric Wilcoxon test via SPSS software (Version 18). After 6 months, 60 patients (95.2%) were completely needless of transfusion. In 3 patients (4.8%) transfusion interval prolonged more than one month. The study findings demonstrated a decrease in mean of ferritin level, and an increase in mean of hemoglobin level. Furthermore regarding the complications, AST, ALT, and BUN significantly increased after treatment with HU. In thalassemia intermedia patients, HU can obviate the need for regular transfusion and increase the mean of Hb level.