Can hydroxyurea increase MCV? Understanding the Link to Macrocytosis
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3 min read
Over 73% of pediatric patients with severe sickle cell anemia showed significant increases in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) during hydroxyurea treatment in one study. This increase in red blood cell size is a well-documented and expected pharmacological effect, demonstrating that yes, **can hydroxyurea increase MCV**. This phenomenon, known as macrocytosis, is often a marker of treatment effectiveness, particularly in conditions like sickle cell disease.
