Leg ulcers are a common cutaneous manifestation in sickle cell disease. They are more common in homozygous patients (SS) and in over 10-years-old male patients. Their development depends on several factors such as the vaso-occlusion phenomenon, tissue hypoxia, hemolisis and genetic factors. Venous incompetence may play a role in their pathogenesis and persistence. Topical treatment and elevation of the affected leg are recommended. Dressings, surgical interventions, transfusions and systemic medications are used in special cases. There have been no studies published comparing the different therapies and their efficacies.
Sickle cell; genotype; leg ulcer; hydroxiurea