Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Induced Rapid Healing of a Chronic Leg Ulcer in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

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.

Thalassaemia Intermedia: an Update

“…Zinc supplementation35 and pentoxifylline, which alters the rheological properties of the RBCs,36 can help accelerate the healing of ulcers. Hydroxyurea also has some benefit, either alone or in combination with erythropoietin 37. In addition, the use of an oxygen chamber can provide moderate relief since tissue hypoxia may be an underlying cause of the ulceration 38…”