[Leg ulcers in patients with sickle-cell disease in Libreville (Gabon): clinical aspects and management]

Abstract

Objectives: To present the clinical aspects of leg ulcers among patients with sickle-cell disease, propose a protocol for treating them, and identify risk factors for their onset in our patients.

Patients and methods: This 5-year retrospective descriptive study (2007-2012) includes six adolescents homozygous (SS) for this disease who had at least one leg ulcer during the study period.

Results: Our population was aged 16-20 years and comprised 4 young men and 2 young women. Signs at diagnosis included pallor (100%), jaundice (100%), splenomegaly (80%), and fever (70%). Painful crises most often involved a vaso-occlusive crisis (42%), followed by a splenic sequestration crisis (27%), a hemolytic crisis (18%), and erythroblastopenia (14%).

Conclusion: Leg ulcers are a complication of sickle cell disease and cause esthetic, psychological, and economic problems. Prevention involves patient education to prevent the occurrence and recurrence of these ulcers.

Keywords: Sickle-cell disease; hydroxyurea; leg ulcers.