Priapism associated with sickle cell hemoglobinopathy in children: long-term effects on potency.

PURPOSE

Children with sickle cell priapism have traditionally been treated conservatively with surgery done as a last resort. Only sparse subjective data are available on the long-term assessment of potency in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all pediatric patients with sickle cell priapism who presented to Children's Hospital of Michigan between 1972 and 1992, and subsequently assessed erectile capabilities subjectively by questionnaire and objectively by RigiScan.

RESULTS

Of the 15 patients interviewed 5 had undergone shunt procedures. The return of potency tended to vary inversely with patient age at onset and duration of priapism.

CONCLUSIONS

Shunts performed within 48 hours, especially in postpubertal children, seemed more likely to preserve potency.