Blood pressure, hematologic and biochemical changes following L-arginine supplementation in children with sickle cell anaemia already on hydroxyurea therapy.

Hydroxyurea is an approved therapy in the management of children suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD). In adults co-administration of hydroxyurea and L-Arginine in adult sufferers of SCD had shown some benefits. This study examined the effect of co-administration of hydroxyurea (15-35mg/kg/day) and L-Arginine (500 mg/day) for 6 weeks on blood pressure, haematological parameters, liver and antioxidant enzymes levels.