Acupuncture as a Complementary Treatment for Leg Ulcers in Sickle-Cell Disease

Sickle-cell diseases (SCD) are a group of hereditary disorders in which a specific mutation in the gene that encodes the hemoglobin ß chain leads to formation of an anomalous hemoglobin molecule (HbS) with high polymerization power. This leads to sickling of erythrocytes in situations of low oxygen tension, such as in microcirculation, resulting in peripheral microvasculature occlusion, chronic hemolysis, inflammation, and damage to several target organs. Malleolar ulcers are among the most-debilitating complications of the disease, as they are associated with significant pain, secondary infections, and social impact due to their aesthetic impairment. There are no completely satisfactory therapeutic options for this complication; local healing agents, antibiotics, and dressings are used, with high rates of recurrence and complications, such as osteomyelitis and even limb amputation.

This case study evaluated the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques on chronic malleolar ulcers in a 49-year-old male patient. Ten sessions of systemic acupuncture (combinations involving Source, Master, Energetic Action, and Extraordinary Vessels points), auriculotherapy, and dressing with magnets were conducted.

Although the primary outcome sought was not reached (decrease in ulcer diameters), this patient had great reduction of local pain, a decrease in limb edema, and important reduction of his inflammatory condition, reflected in his decreasing blood levels of C-reactive protein.

These results show that acupuncture should be considered as an important auxiliary treatment for SCD complications.