Long-Term Study of Growth, Development, and Fertility in Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Anemia Taking Hydroxyurea

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a long-term observational study called the SAFE study to follow people with sickle cell anemia SCA over time. The main goal is to understand how the medicine hydroxyurea affects growth, puberty, and fertility in adolescents and young adults with SCA. The study also compares pregnancy outcomes between those who take hydroxyurea and those who do not. Participants with SCA will be monitored regularly with clinic visits every few months for health check-ups and blood tests. Girls who have started menstruating will have pregnancy tests every six months, and boys may be asked to provide semen samples if they agree. The study will collect information on growth, development, fertility, and reproductive outcomes while observing how hydroxyurea impacts these aspects. During the study, participants will answer questions about their health and fertility at regular intervals. Researchers will track clinical outcomes and reproductive potential for up to 10 years after enrollment. This long-term follow-up will help gather important information on how hydroxyurea influences health and reproductive outcomes in people living with SCA.

Serial Assessment of Fertility Experiences