Healing of leg ulcers with hydroxyurea in thalassaemia intermedia patients with associated endocrine complications.

We report a preliminary clinical experience in the use of hydroxyurea (HU) for the treatment of leg ulcers in thalassaemia intermedia patients with associated endocrine complications. We administered HU 1 g/day to 6 adult patients with thalassaemia intermedia for 90 days. We observed an improvement (3 patients) or healing (3 patients) of chronic leg ulcers. Recurrence was observed in the absence of maintenance therapy (2 patients). Two patients discontinued HU because of adverse effects (stomach pain and fever). No significant increase in total Hb or HbF levels occurred. In conclusion, HU appears suitable for the treatment of leg ulcers unresponsive to conventional treatment in patients with thalassaemia intermedia.