Recombinant human erythropoietin induced rapid healing of a chronic leg ulcer in a patient with sickle cell disease.
A 23-year-old man with severe sickle cell disease and a chronic non-healing left leg ulcer was entered into a study in which he received hydroxyurea (HU) and recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in order to modify the severity of his disease. HU 20 mg/kg/day effectively prevented vaso-occlusive crises and improved hematological parameters, but the chronic leg ulcer and chronic mild bone pains remained. Six months later, r-HuEPO 600-800 IU/kg subcutaneously was added at weekly intervals. This led to a rapid and complete healing of the chronic leg ulcer, further improvement in hematological parameters and relief from chronic pains. We conclude that treatment with r-HuEPO may provide an effective therapy for chronic leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease.
al-Momen
A K
AK
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin