Priapism in a Young Adult With Sickle Cell Disease

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Hematology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Priapism is a prolonged penile erection, often exceeding 4 hours, and is a recognized complication of sickle cell disease.
• It is a urological emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent penile damage and erectile dysfunction.
• Underrecognition of priapism in sickle cell disease contributes to delayed treatment and adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study of priapism in a patient with sickle cell disease.
• To highlight the role of the emergency department (ED) nurse practitioner (NP) in the timely identification and management of priapism.
• To emphasize the importance of patient education in preventing and managing priapism episodes.

Main Methods:

• Clinical diagnosis based on patient history, physical examination, and laboratory values.
• Initial management involved conservative measures such as hydration and analgesics.
• Invasive treatment included aspiration of the corpus cavernosum for detumescence.

Main Results:

• The ED nurse practitioner (NP) successfully identified and treated the patient's priapism episode.
• Aspiration of the corpus cavernosum led to successful detumescence.
• The case demonstrates effective NP intervention in a priapism emergency.

Conclusions:

• Prompt recognition and treatment of priapism in sickle cell disease patients are crucial for preserving penile health.
• Nurse practitioners play a vital role in managing priapism, including patient education for prevention and home management.
• Effective management strategies, including aspiration, can prevent long-term complications like erectile dysfunction.