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BRIEF COMMUNICATION

Hydroxyurea-Induced Leg Ulceration in 14 Patients

Patricia J. Best, MD; Mazen S. Daoud, MD; Mark R. Pittelkow, MD; and Robert M. Petitt, MD

1 January 1998 | Volume 128 Issue 1 | Pages 29-32

Background: Hydroxyurea is an antineoplastic agent commonly used to treat myeloproliferative disorders and other nonneoplastic conditions.

Objective: To further define the typical features of hydroxyurea-related cutaneous ulcers of the leg.

Design: Retrospective, descriptive study of the medical records of patients who developed leg ulcers while receiving hydroxyurea therapy.

Setting: A tertiary care medical center.

Patients: Patients with myeloproliferative disorders who were treated with hydroxyurea.

Results: 14 patients with extremely painful leg ulcers were identified. The most common ulcer site was the malleoli. Multiple ulcers were seen in 64% of patients. Patients had received hydroxyurea for an average of 6 years before ulcers developed. All ulcers healed after discontinuation of hydroxyurea treatment, and 2 patients developed ulcers after treatment was restarted.

Conclusion: Hydroxyurea induces painful leg ulcers that are usually difficult to treat and require cessation of hydroxyurea therapy.

Author and Article Information

From Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota.
Requests for Reprints: Mark R. Pittelkow, MD, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Current Author Addresses: Dr. Best: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

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