Hydroxyurea and blood transfusion therapy for Sickle cell disease in South Asia: inconsistent treatment of a neglected disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest monogenic disorder characterized by a single mutation in the gene encoding for β-globin chain (HBB). The prevalence of the disease is high in sub-Saharan region of Africa, parts of Mediterranean, India and in the Middle East [1]. Remarkable variability of the clinical severity of SCD is widely acknowledged. The phenotypic variability could extend from those with very mild disease where patients may lead life without any need for treatment to individuals with severe complicated disease with multiple disabling symptoms leading to premature death [2]. Five classical HBB haplotypes of SCD (Central African Republic, Benin, Senegal, Cameroon and Arab-Indian) have also described and are widely believed to contribute to the phenotypic variability largely through their effects on foetal haemoglobin (Hb F) levels [3]. Irrespective of the haplotype, evidence suggests that poverty influenced by lower socio-economic status could lead to adverse outcomes in the disease [4, 5]. In the western world, more than 90% of children with SCD survive to adulthood whilst in Sub-Saharan Africa where there is the greatest burden of sickle cell anaemia estimates suggest that 50–80% of patients will die before adulthood [2].

In South Asia, the highest prevalence of the SCD is observed in India, where over 20 million patients with the disease are known to live. The burden of the disease in India is estimated to be second only to that of Africa with the highest frequency of βs allele being found in a belt stretching across central India, from South-eastern Gujarat to South-western Odisha [6]. Although SCD has been reported from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Maldives, very little is known about the nature of SCD and the burden of the disease in these countries. There are few survival and mortality studies from South Asia. In a study conducted in Gujarat in India, about 20% of children with SCD died by age of two and 30% of children with SCD from tribal areas were noted to die before they come reached adulthood [7].

Several preventive and treatment approaches are available for management of SCD. Though no all-encompassing single guideline for management of SCD exists, expert committees have developed several guidelines on trial-based evidence and best practices [8‐10]. These guidelines largely do not take into consideration the genotype nor the locality in which the patient is being treated.

Currently available treatment options for SCD include using of disease-modifying therapies like hydroxyurea (HU), blood transfusion and for a very few patients using near curative treatments like hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy. Supportive and preventive strategies like daily oral prophylactic penicillin up to the age of 5 years, opioid therapy to relief acute pain related to sickling event, non-opioid analgesics for chronic pain related to sickling and yearly Trans Cranial Doppler (TCD) examination from the ages 2–16 years to identify those who are vulnerable for stroke form the back bone of any management strategy [8, 11]. In addition, voxeloter, L-glutamine and crizanlizumab have all been approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently, and are likely to expand the future therapeutics option for SCD [12].

The two main strategies of SCD management, namely HU and blood transfusion are used based on specific requirements. Blood transfusion therapy has been used for patients with SCD expecting that the normal haemoglobin would compensate for the adverse events generated by sickle haemoglobin (Hb S). Acute transfusion is generally performed to prevent / reverse severe anaemia or as an exchange transfusion for immediate reduction of sickle cell related acute complications [13]. Chronic transfusions are predominantly used for primary stroke prevention, or to prevent the recurrence of stroke among children with SCD, and to reduce recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS) when HU is ineffective [14‐16]. HU, a cytotoxic drug, is used in the hope of altering the marrow-proliferation in favour the production of Hb F over Hb S. Evidences suggest usage of HU reduces the incidence of acute pain, rate of acute chest syndrome, blood transfusion and overall mortality among patients with SCD [17, 18]. Furthermore, HU decreases the numbers of platelets and white cells reducing harmful effects interceded by them in vascular injuries [19].

Preliminary literature assessment suggested that the management of SCD in South Asian countries appears to vary and is not consistent with the generally practiced guidelines for SCD [20, 21]. We decided to conduct this review on the two main modalities of SCD treatment, namely blood transfusion and HU therapy across the different countries in South Asia to see how its applied in this region.

We identified 860 papers through the search strategy, of which only 41 articles were in compliance with inclusion criteria were selected for qualitative synthesis (Fig. 1). Out of the 41 articles 33 (80.5%) originated from India. In addition, there were 8 eligible papers including, 3 (7.3%) from Sri Lanka and 2 each (4.9%) from Pakistan, Bangladesh and one from Nepal (Fig. 2). Among the 8 studies selected outside India in South Asia, there were 7 case reports with 2 case studies each from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and one from Nepal [22‐28]. No eligible study was identified from Maldives and Bhutan. The majority of articles (58.5%; n = 24) were published during the last 5 years (2015–2020). Designs of the 34 studies excluding case reports included prospective cohort studies (n = 15), descriptive studies (n = 7), retrospective analyses (n = 5), reviews (n = 3), prospective cohort comparison (n = 2), analytical cross-sectional (n = 1) and randomized placebo-controlled trial (n = 1).

Of the 34 studies excluding case reports (Table 1), 14 Indian studies (41.2%) focused on HU therapy while 6 studies (17.6%) focused on transfusion therapy. Seven studies (20.6%) were descriptive studies of clinical characteristics and 4 were observational cohort studies. Furthermore, 3 reviews described the clinical manifestation of SCD and the role of hydroxyurea in sickle patients with Asian haplotype. Of the 14 prospective Indian studies focused on HU therapy, 12 (85.7%) and 9 (64.3%) studies noted significant reductions in VOC and blood transfusion requirement respectively with HU therapy. Likewise, 5 (35.7%) studies reported significant reduction in hospitalization and 2 (14.3%) studies noted significant improvement in ACS following the HU therapy. Of the 14 prospective studies focused on HU therapy, 13 analysed the haematological profiles of the participants. Significant improvement, particularly in haemoglobin level and Hb F level was observed in the majority (n = 13; 100.0%, n = 10; 76.9% respectively). Of the 13 studies, 10 (76.9%) noted significant reduction in WBC with mild-moderate neutropenia prompted by HU therapy. Deshpande et al., analysed the variation of WBC over different age groups and found HU induced leukopenia was significant only amidst SCD children below 10 years of age [20]. However, none of the studies observed severe neutropenia (neutrophil count < 0.5 × 10⁹/L) among the users of HU. Of the 13 studies that analysed haematological profile among HU users, 7 (53.8%) reported significant reduction in platelet count with no severe case of thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 × 10⁹/L). Variations were identified in the dose of HU given to patients with SCD. Eleven out of 14 prospective trials adopted fixed dose method and the remaining 3 trials adopted dose escalation regimen of HU. Of the studies adopted fixed dose method; 10 used low dose (10 mg/kg/day) HU regimen and one adopted standard moderate dose (20 mg/kg/day) regimen. Of the studies which adopted dose escalation method, 2 started with low dose and increase up to high dose and one started with the standard moderate dose (20 mg/kg/day) and escalated by 5 mg/kg/day as adjudged by the treating clinician.

Indications for HU therapy have been elucidated in a previously published evidence-based review in which authors (Wong et al.) suggested 8 recommendations in a graded system for HU therapy among patients with SCD of all ages [61]. In the present study, we analysed the practice of recommendations made by Wong et al., among South Asian patients. Five studies practiced HU therapy in accordance with first recommendation (Grade 1A) which is the usage of HU when adult Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients’ experience ≥ 3 moderate to severe pain crises in a 12-month period [29‐31, 52, 53]. Seven studies practiced HU therapy in accordance with 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th recommendations (Grade 1 B) suggesting the usage of HU when adult SCA patient has a history of ACS or symptomatic anaemia; children with SCA experience ≥ 3 moderate to severe pain crises in 12-month time period or having a history of ACS or symptomatic anaemia [29‐32, 34, 35, 57]. In addition, five studies practiced HU therapy in accordance with recommendation 6 (usage of HU in SCA patients who have a history of stroke) [29, 30, 34, 35, 57], and two studies [29, 42] in accordance with recommendation 7 (usage of HU in adult Hb S-β+ thalassaemia patients who experience ≥ 3 pain crises in 12-month period or having a history of ACS). Incidentally, 2 further studies reported the usage of HU in Hb S-D Punjab patients when they experience 3 or more VOC within 12-month period time [38, 40].

Of the 41 selected articles, only 9 reported the indications for transfusion therapy in sickle patients. Severe anaemia (Hb level < 6–7 g/dl) was the commonest indicator (n = 8) for transfusion therapy followed by VOC (n = 2), stroke (n = 1), splenic sequestration (n = 1), pregnancy (n = 1) and headache (n = 1). Wide range of pre-transfusion Hb levels were recorded in 2 studies. A study done in Central India reported a pre-transfusion Hb range which varied from 1.6 to 8.2 g/dl whereas another study from Gujarat reported a pre-transfusion Hb range which varied from 2 to 10 g/dl [36, 59].

We attempted to assess issues relating to demand and availability of hydroxyurea and blood transfusion in the region. We were unable to find reliable information on hydroxyurea. Blood transfusion services are organised differently and the adequacy of blood donation and the percentage of voluntary donors are variable in the different countries in the South Asian region. The state has total control over the blood banks in Sri Lanka Maldives and Bhutan’s while in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal blood banking is heavily reliant on Non-Governmental organizations (NGO) and private blood banks though the state blood banks too exist. Overall, the demand for blood is not met in any of the countries except in Sri Lanka (Table 2). In 2017 India had the greatest absolute unmet blood unit requirement (40 964 075 units) from amongst 119 countries in the world [62].

This systematic review of studies that evaluated the availability and therapeutic usage of both transfusion therapy and HU therapy for SCD in South Asia for the past 15 years identified that the available information in literature is limited and heterogeneous in nature. This precluded any effort of a proper meta-analysis. Even though presence of sickle haemoglobin had been reported from all South Asian countries, detailed studies of clinical outcomes were mostly available only from India. In most instances literature was restricted to case studies or case reports. One reason for this paucity of data could be the low prevalence of sickle haemoglobin in some countries in South Asia. For instance, studies from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown that the prevalence of sickle haemoglobin was relatively lower than that of other haemoglobinopathies in these regions [63‐65]. Sickle haemoglobin has been reported at comparatively higher prevalence from the Tharu community of Western Nepal and Pakistan [66, 67]. Although, the burden of the SCD in Tharu population had been acknowledged [68], no information was available of any evidence-based therapeutic strategy for patients with SCD from Nepal. The situation in Pakistan was not much different to that from Nepal. Other than the reports indicating the presence of SCD in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi and Balochistan [69‐71], nothing much is known about the clinical course of the disease and therapeutic scenarios currently in place for patients with SCD from these areas.

Even with limited data, the present review identified several indications for HU therapy for patients with SCD in India including, ≥ 3 pain crises/year, history of ACS, stroke and symptomatic severe anaemia. Nevertheless, in real world practice the circumstances could be quite different as explained by Jain et al.; in Maharashtra many patients with SCD have undergone HU therapy from the first clinical visit irrespective of their symptoms [47]. Moreover, the usage of HU for infants and children age 9 months or older who are asymptomatic or having infrequent pain episode has not adequately analysed among Indian patients. Therapeutic usage of HU for SCD have also been noted in couple of case reports from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and one descriptive cross-sectional study from Sri Lanka [21, 22, 26, 28]. However, particulars of different dosing regimens in practice, toxicities and detailed response to HU therapy is largely unknown. Despite all the known benefits of HU improving the quality of life, clinicians’ prescription and patient compliance of HU seems below par in the Indian subcontinent. In their recent review Jain and Mohanty described that the poor compliance with HU among Indian patients may be due to physician’s concerns of potential long-term mutagenic effects and lack of familiarity of primary attending medical staff with HU therapy [54]. Inconsistency in adherence with HU therapy owing to the lack of familiarity of primary care medical staff has also been noted in a recent Sri Lankan study in which authors recommended the development of national guidelines for management of patients with SCD [21]. Socio-economic status and the financial capabilities of the sickle patients largely influence the affordability of standard care including HU in economically disadvantaged settings in the Indian sub-continent. Nevertheless, country wise data and statistics about the availability and affordability of HU for sickle patients are not available in South Asia. Incidentally, initiations have been taken to deliver comprehensive care including free outpatient medication such as HU and pneumococcal vaccination for economically disadvantaged rural SCD communities in India with encouraging outcomes [41, 56]. However, no evidence is available about such initiatives outside India in South Asia.

Recent trials assessing the role of HU in preventing primary overt ischaemic stroke in patients with SCD of African origin found it to be effective [72, 73]. However, no such information is available about the efficiency of HU therapy in averting primary overt ischaemic stroke in patients with SCD of Indian origin.

Transfusion therapy for SCD has been used for many years and appears to be effective in primary and secondary prevention of stroke among sickle patients [74, 75]. The present review identified that transfusion therapy is in use for SCD in South Asia though there was paucity of information from outside India. However, indications of transfusion therapy have been described in limited number of studies. Available data suggests that transfusion was mostly given for severe anaemia (haemoglobin level below 6–7 g/dl). In addition, couple of Indian studies reported that transfusions were given when patients experience VOC [34, 38] and headaches [33]. Nevertheless, transfusion therapy for SCD seemed to be widely used in India without clear indications which could inevitably result in many deleterious clinical outcomes in patients and increase the financial burden. A study from Gujarat reported numerous transfusions for sickle patients with no clear diagnosis and justification [36]. Discrepancies and inconsistencies in transfusion practice for SCD has also been noted in Sri Lanka in which authors highlighted the disadvantage of not having a clear guideline [21]. Demand of blood for SCD transfusions is increasing in India by 0.99 million units per year. In line with projections by 2026 the total blood requirement for patients with SCD would reach 9.24 million units which would account for considerable portion of the total amount of donated blood [58]. There is however no data relating to blood requirements for patients with SCD outside India in the South Asian region.

In summary, both HU and transfusion therapy for South Asian patients with SCD would benefit more from further evidence-based assessments and interventions. Fixed-low dose HU therapy (10 mg/kg/day), which has yielded promising results among Indian patients with SCD may be applicable for sickle patients with Indian origin from other South Asian countries. Similarly, the role of transfusion therapy for SCD should be well defined in different sickle communities of Indian subcontinent. Initiation has been taken by India introducing “National Health Mission Guidelines on Haemoglobinopathies” which included basic guidance on HU and transfusion therapy for SCD [76]. There is a clear gap of knowledge about the nature of SCD in the Indian subcontinent particularly from countries outside India. Practice of the main therapeutic modalities such as transfusion and HU therapies, diagnosis and different patient management strategies of SCD have not been adequately described in these regions, suggesting the compelling need for more research and evidence-based policy making.