Sickle cell leg ulcers can be a significant finding for a patient with sickle cell disease.
Features of sickle cell ulcers that should be monitored:
(1) number
(2) total area in square centimeters
(3) duration, with ulcers more than 1 year old designated as prolonged
The severity of leg ulcers increases with number, total area and prolonged ulceration.
Complications:
(1) chronic pain, which can be severe
(2) negative impact on quality of life
(3) recurrent infection
(4) ankle stiffness
(5) depression
(6) disability
The presence of sickle cell leg ulcers is associated with:
(1) priapism
(2) pulmonary hypertension
(3) stroke
(4) acute chest syndrome
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Specialty: Dermatology, Genetics, Hematology Oncology
