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Hydroxyurea-Induced Leg Ulceration in 14 Patients
- Patricia J. Best, MD;
- Mazen S. Daoud, MD;
- Mark R. Pittelkow, MD; and
- Robert M. Petitt, MD
- 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.
Abstract
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.
- Copyright ©2004 by the American College of Physicians
