Treatments for priapism in boys and men with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease comprises a group of genetic haemoglobin disorders. The predominant symptom associated with sickle cell disease is pain resulting from the occlusion of small blood vessels by abnormally 'sickle-shaped' red blood cells. There are other complications, including chronic organ damage and prolonged painful erection of the penis, known as priapism. Severity of sickle cell disease is variable, and treatment is usually symptomatic. Priapism affects up to half of all men with sickle cell disease, however there is no consistency in treatment. We therefore need to know the best way of treating this complication in order to offer an effective interventional approach to all affected individuals.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and risks of different treatments for stuttering (repeated short episodes) and fulminant (lasting for six hours or more) priapism in sickle cell disease.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group trials register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the internet for further references. Date of the most recent search of the Group's trials register: August 2004.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing non-surgical or surgical treatment with placebo or no treatment, or with another intervention for stuttering or fulminant priapism.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one study of 11 participants was identified and met the criteria for inclusion in this review. This study compared stilboestrol to placebo. The only outcome specified in this review, which was assessed in the study, was reduction in frequency of stuttering priapism and there was no difference between the groups, relative risk 0.18 (95%CI 0.01 to 2.54).

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence for the benefits or risks of the different treatments for both stuttering and fulminant priapism in sickle cell disease. This systematic review has clearly identified the need for well-designed, adequately-powered, multicentre randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of specific interventions for priapism in sickle cell disease.