title: A treatment algorithm to identify therapeutic approaches for leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease.
abstract: Sickle cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients who develop ulcers appear to have a more severe haemolysis-associated vasculopathy than individuals who do not develop them, and manifest other complications such as priapism and pulmonary hypertension. SCLUs are slow to heal and often recur, affecting both the emotional and physical well-being of patients. Here we summarise what is known about the pathophysiology of SCLUs, describe available treatment options and propose a treatment algorithm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Igor A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Altman
authors.affiliation: Traditional Rotating Internship, Genesys Regional Medical Center, Grand Blanc, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Raymond E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Kleinfelder
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Quigley
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Ennis
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology, Sickle Cell Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Caterina P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Minniti
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000465:Algorithms; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D001458:Bandages; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D019287:Zinc Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D019287:Zinc Sulfate; D010431:Pentoxifylline
keywords: Pathophysiology; Sickle cell leg ulcers; Sickle cell wounds; Treatment algorithm