What is a common intervention for managing sickle cell disease?

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Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is a common intervention for managing sickle cell disease due to its ability to stimulate the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Elevated levels of HbF help reduce the sickling of red blood cells, which in turn lowers the frequency of pain crises, acute chest syndrome, and the need for blood transfusions. Hydroxyurea also has a beneficial effect on overall morbidity and mortality in patients with this condition.

While antibiotics can play a role in preventing infections, especially in children with sickle cell disease who are at higher risk, they are not a standalone treatment for the disease itself. Pain management is crucial but cannot address the underlying pathophysiology of sickle cell disease. Chemotherapy, although used in some contexts, is not a standard treatment for sickle cell disease and is more commonly associated with cancer therapy. Therefore, hydroxyurea emerges as a key therapeutic strategy that directly targets a significant complication of sickle cell disease.

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