Internal Medicine · Vol. 4, No. 1 · 2020 · pp. 13–15 · e-ISSN 2572-9233

Leg Ulcer in Patient with Sickle Cell Disease on Hydroxyurea

Jaya Manjunath, Fnu Nutan

George Washington University School of Medicine,Washington, DC 20052, USAUnited States
Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Dermatology,Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, P. O. Box 980102, Richmond,VA 23298, USAUnited States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17140/imoj-4-114 · Published 2020-09-21 · Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 · © 2020 The Author(s)

Also available as PDF (figures and tables appear in the PDF).

Abstract

Leg ulcers are a painful side-effect commonly seen in patients with long-term use of hydroxyurea. We describe an ulcer in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) with an 8-year history of hydroxyurea use. Wound care team used cadexomer-iodine topical and collagenase to aid in healing. There are limited options for the treatment of these ulcers beside the cessation of hydroxyurea, a very effective drug in reducing painful sickle cell episodes. It is imperative to be aware of this complication to prevent expensive tests and further work up. Future study into alternative treatment of hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcers for sickle cell patients is necessary.

Keywords: Leg Ulcer; Sickle cell disease (SCD); Hydroxyurea

Acknowledgements

None to declare.

Financial Disclosure Or Funding

None to declare.

Conflicts Of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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