Improved hydroxyurea effect with the use of text messaging in children with sickle cell anemia.

Background: In children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), hydroxyurea reduces morbidity, but adherence is frequently suboptimal. Because most families of children with SCA have access to cellular telephone services, we assessed the impact of text messaged reminders as a tool to improve adherence to hydroxyurea.

Procedure: All patients <19 years of age with HbSS or HbSβ(0) thalassemia who were treated with hydroxyurea at a maximal tolerated dosage (MTD) at St.

Exploring family communication about sickle cell disease in adolescence.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a lifelong disorder that involves progressive organ damage and requires ongoing medical attention to prevent and treat episodic acute complications. Children with SCD need ongoing monitoring and extra attention that may be stressful to family members. Communication within families can help resolve family stress and may be associated with medical follow-up and management of SCD.