Sickle cell disease with recurrent priapism

J Assoc Physicians India. 2012 Nov:60:62-3.

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a very common entity in central India, especially in Maharashtra. Patients usually present with recurrent haemolytic and/or vaso-occlusive crises. Although unusual, Priapism i.e. spontaneous painful erection of penis can be a debilitating manifestation of crisis. Especially when it occurs in prepubertal males it can lead to impotence in later life. It is also one of the least discussed complications of sickle cell disease. Here we present a case of sickle cell disease with recurrent priapism in a young boy of 16 years of age. He failed to respond to standard line of treatment. When all modalities failed he was given Tablet Gabapentin after which his priapism was totally relieved. We would like to recommend the use of Gabapentin in such cases of recurrent priapism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amines / therapeutic use
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications*
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Gabapentin
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Priapism / drug therapy
  • Priapism / etiology*
  • Recurrence
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Amines
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin