Sickle Cell Disease and Leg Ulcers

In Brief PURPOSE: To enhance the learner’s competence with knowledge of sickle cell disease (SCD) and its relationship to leg ulcers. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of SCD-associated leg ulcer pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnostic testing, and risk factors. 2. Apply knowledge of pain management and treatment options for SCD-associated leg ulcers to patient care scenarios. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin synthesis leading to a deformation of the red blood cell. This disorder is associated with painful, slow-to-heal leg ulcers. This article discusses the wound bed preparation paradigm as a guide to the treatment of sickle cell–associated leg ulcers. This continuing education activity discusses the wound bed preparation paradigm as a guide to the treatment of sickle cell–associated leg ulcers.