Efficacy of hydroxyurea (HU) in reduction of pack red cell (PRC) transfusion requirement among children having beta-thalassemia major: Karachi HU trial (KHUT).

Background: Packed red blood cell (PRC) transfusion with iron chelation is the mainstay of treatment for patients with beta-thalassemia major. Hemoglobin F augmentation is another approach to treat this hemoglobinopathy. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea (HU) in minimizing PRC transfusions in patients with beta-thalassemia major.