We have solved a polymerizing version of the mean spherical approximation for polyelectrolytes. The polyelectrolytes are modeled as tangentially-bonded hard-sphere segments interacting via the Coulombic potential in a continuous medium with dielectric constant. Analytical solutions for thermodynamic properties and radial distribution functions at contact, as well as numerical solutions using a multiple-variable version of the Perram algorithm for radial distribution functions at separations beyond the core, are obtained for some specific systems (negatively charged chains of various length and counterions). Comparisons were made with published experimental data for osmotic pressure and with computer simulations for radial distribution functions. Good agreement is found for the osmotic pressure at all ranges of density. Good agreement is found for the radial distribution functions at moderate to high density. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.