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Leg ulcer in hydroxyurea-treated patients.
1Department Haematology and Angiology, Central Polyclinic of MAV, Budapest, Hungary.
Haematologia
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Hydroxyurea can cause leg ulcers in patients with myeloproliferative diseases. While some ulcers heal with continued treatment, others require stopping hydroxyurea medication.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hydroxyurea is a medication used to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms.
- Cutaneous ulcers are a potential, though less recognized, complication of hydroxyurea therapy.
Observation:
- A study observed 39 patients with myeloproliferative diseases treated with hydroxyurea.
- Six patients developed cutaneous ulcers, predominantly in the ankle region, within two years of treatment.
- Predisposing factors like minor trauma or varicosity were present in ulcerated patients.
Findings:
- Peripheral blood counts and non-invasive circulation tests were normal at ulcer onset.
- Hyperviscosity was not detected.
- Three ulcers healed without discontinuing hydroxyurea; two healed after cessation; one persisted until patient death.
Implications:
- Leg ulceration is a notable complication of hydroxyurea treatment in myeloproliferative neoplasms.
- Identifying predisposing factors may aid in prevention.
- Treatment decisions for ulcers should consider the potential for healing with or without drug discontinuation.