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Published on: March 14, 2017
Mini review: leg ulcers - a secondary complication of sickle cell disease
1Haematology & Blood Bank Department, Amiri Hospital, Kuwait Ministry of Health, Sharq, Kuwait.
Insights
Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes significant health problems, including difficult-to-heal leg ulcers. This review covers diagnosis and management of this common SCD complication.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder with substantial global health impact.
- Leg ulcers are a frequent and debilitating manifestation of SCD.
- Despite advances, SCD management faces challenges with chronic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common complication of leg ulcers in sickle cell disease (SCD).
- To summarize current understanding of SCD-related leg ulcers.
- To highlight diagnostic and management considerations for SCD leg ulcers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on sickle cell disease and leg ulcers.
- Synthesis of information on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment.
- Analysis of diagnostic approaches including physical examination, lab tests, and imaging.
Main Results:
- Leg ulcers are a characteristic and disabling feature of SCD.
- Diagnosis requires a comprehensive approach combining clinical assessment and investigations.
- Effective management remains challenging despite improved SCD prognoses.
Conclusions:
- Leg ulcers represent a significant burden in sickle cell disease patients.
- Integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing SCD leg ulcers.
- Further research is needed to improve treatment outcomes for this complication.
Abstract:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders recognized by WHO as a major public health problem. It affects morbidity and mortality of the affected population considerably. Leg ulcer in the lower limbs is a hallmark feature of SCD. Meticulous physical examination, thorough history, laboratory tests, and imaging will lead to proper diagnosis and lead to proper treatment and management of the cases. Although newer treatment strategies have improved the prognostic outcome of SCD, leg ulcers still are a disabling and difficult to treat a complication of the condition. This mini review summarizes this common complication of SCD.
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