What is the purpose of hydroxyurea?

Hydroxyurea is a medication that is primarily used to prevent sickle cell crises in patients with sickle cell disease. It achieves this by increasing the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in the body. Elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin help to reduce the sickling of red blood cells, thereby decreasing the frequency and severity of painful crises that can occur due to blood vessel blockages caused by sickle cells.

In addition to its role in increasing fetal hemoglobin levels, hydroxyurea has other beneficial effects such as improving overall blood flow and reducing white blood cell counts, which can also help to prevent complications associated with sickle cell disease. This makes it a vital component in the management of sickle cell disease in pediatric patients.

While the other options present potential uses of medications, they do not accurately describe the primary purpose of hydroxyurea. For instance, it is not indicated for the treatment of anemia in general; rather, its specific focus is on sickle cell disease. Similarly, it is not used directly to treat infections or reduce skin inflammation, which are addressed by other classes of medications. Thus, the drug’s efficacy and approval for use are centered around its role in preventing sickle cell crises.