A comprehensive study of immune function and immunophenotyping of white blood cells from β‐thalassaemia/HbE patients on hydroxyurea supports the safety of the drug

• Published in: British journal of haematology Vol. 200; no. 3; pp. 367 - 376
• Main Authors: Siriworadetkun, Sirikwan, Thiengtavor, Chayada, Thubthed, Rattanawan, Paiboonsukwong, Kittiphong, Fucharoen, Suthat, Pattanapanyasat, Kovit, Vadolas, Jim, Svasti, Saovaros, Chaichompoo, Pornthip
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Adaptive immunity; beta-Thalassemia; Blood diseases; Blood transfusion; CD4 antigen; CD8 antigen; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cross-Sectional Studies; drug safety; Fetuses; Hematology; Hemoglobin; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Hydroxyurea - adverse effects; Immunity; Immunophenotyping; Leukocytes (neutrophilic); Lymphocytes T; Monocytes; Neutropenia; neutrophil maturation; Neutrophils; PU.1 protein; Suppressor cells; Thalassemia; Transcription factors; β‐thalassaemia; neutrophil maturation; hydroxyurea; immunity; β-thalassaemia; drug safety

SUMMARY Hydroxyurea (HU) (hydroxycarbamide) is used as a therapeutic option in β‐thalassaemia to increase fetal haemoglobin, which results in a reduced requirement for blood transfusion. However, a potential serious adverse effect of HU is neutropenia. Abnormal neutrophil maturation and function in...