International Journal of Medicine and Medical Science Research  Vol. 2(1), pp. 001-006, February 2014 ISSN 2331-1819 ©2014 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Hematological indicators of priapism in sickle cell disease in rural India

R.S. Balgir

Department of Biochemistry, Regional Medical Research Centre for Tribals (Indian Council of Medical Research), Near NSCB Medical College & Hospital, P.O: Garha, Nagpur Road, Jabalpur-482 003, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. E-mail: balgirrs@yahoo.co.in.

Accepted 11 February, 2014

Abstract

The sickle cell disorder is a common disabling disease that profoundly affects human morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Priapism in sickle cell disease is a condition that causes sustained, painful, and unwanted erection of the penis in boys or men without any sexual stimulation. Sickled cells are short lived and can cause vaso-occlusive crisis in affected persons. A few case reports have shown the rare occurrence of priapism in sickle cell disease in India. This hospital based study showed around 2.97% prevalence of priapism in cases suffering from sickle cell disease in a tertiary hospital at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh of Central India. The present study reports the lower fetal hemoglobin (mean, 8.5%) in two of the three cases, and elevated serum bilirubin level (mean, 4.4 mg/dl) and higher platelet (mean, 351.7 m/mm3) and reticulocyte (mean, 8.7%) counts of all patients studied with priapism in sickle cell disease, indicating erythropoietic imbalance. It is a common practice in India that any problem related to sex or sex organs is intentionally not disclosed (kept secret) to elderly family members because of shyness or psycho-social implications or due to a stigma attached to it. It is rarely brought to the notice of a medical doctor. This is due to utter lack of sex education that results in deteriorated health complications in rural areas of the state. Priapism in sickle cell disease is a pathological condition of penile erection and recovery of erectile function is dependent on prompt counseling and urgent intervention. Priapism should be considered as a medical and surgical emergency and efforts should be made to educate both professionals and vulnerable population as well.

Key words: Priapism, sickle cell disease, prevalence, sex education, ischemic, stuttering.