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Genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bruno, D; Wigfall, DR; Zimmerman, SA; Rosoff, PM; Wiener, JS
Published in: J Urol
September 2001

PURPOSE: In the last half century the molecular biology, pathophysiology and natural history of sickle cell disease have been well defined. Sickle cell disease causes microvascular occlusion, which is manifested in most organ systems. The genitourinary tract is most commonly affected by hematuria, urinary tract infection and priapism but other more serious sequelae have been identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a computerized MEDLINE search from 1965 to the present and a bibliographic review of cross references. These references were analyzed for meaningful findings and case reports. RESULTS: The diagnosis and management of sickle cell disease have advanced rapidly with a significant increase in the life expectancy of affected patients and recognition of a greater number of genitourinary complications. Renal function may be mildly altered or lost completely. Patients with sickle cell disease are at increased risk for urinary tract infection. Priapism is a painful complication of sickle cell disease that is poorly understood and challenging to treat and prevent. Testicular infarction has also been noted. Furthermore, renal medullary carcinoma, a highly lethal tumor, develops almost exclusively in young patients with sickle cell trait. CONCLUSIONS: Heightened awareness of the genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease may prevent end stage disease, including renal failure and impotence. New forms of therapy for sickle cell disease, such as hydroxyurea, may prevent these complications in the future.

Duke Scholars

Published In

J Urol

ISSN

0022-5347

Publication Date

September 2001

Volume

166

Issue

3

Start / End Page

803 / 811

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urology & Nephrology
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Testis
  • Priapism
  • Male Urogenital Diseases
  • Male
  • Kidney Diseases
  • Infarction
  • Humans
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Bruno, D., Wigfall, D. R., Zimmerman, S. A., Rosoff, P. M., & Wiener, J. S. (2001). Genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease. J Urol, 166(3), 803–811.
Bruno, D., D. R. Wigfall, S. A. Zimmerman, P. M. Rosoff, and J. S. Wiener. “Genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease.J Urol 166, no. 3 (September 2001): 803–11.
Bruno D, Wigfall DR, Zimmerman SA, Rosoff PM, Wiener JS. Genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease. J Urol. 2001 Sep;166(3):803–11.
Bruno, D., et al. “Genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease.J Urol, vol. 166, no. 3, Sept. 2001, pp. 803–11.
Bruno D, Wigfall DR, Zimmerman SA, Rosoff PM, Wiener JS. Genitourinary complications of sickle cell disease. J Urol. 2001 Sep;166(3):803–811.
Journal cover image

Published In

J Urol

ISSN

0022-5347

Publication Date

September 2001

Volume

166

Issue

3

Start / End Page

803 / 811

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urology & Nephrology
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Testis
  • Priapism
  • Male Urogenital Diseases
  • Male
  • Kidney Diseases
  • Infarction
  • Humans
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell