Risk Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients from the Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia

Selection for enrollment: > 3 painful episodes in the 12 months prior to enrollment and no contraindications to hydroxyurea therapy.

Risk factors associated with increased mortality:

(1) absolute reticulocyte count < 250,000 per µL and hemoglobin < 9 g/dL

(2) hemoglobin F levels < 0.5 g/dL

(3) one or more episodes of acute chest syndrome

(4) 3 or more painful episodes per year

Factors reducing the risk of mortality:

(1) taking hydoxyurea