Hydroxyurea-induced leg ulceration in 14 patients.

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.