PRIAPISM IN SICKLE-CELL DISEASE IN QATIF-CENTRAL-HOSPITAL

Priapism is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Its tr ue frequency in Saudi patients is not known. We interviewed 174 male p atients or parents of young SCD patients attending sickle cell clinics at our hospital, in an attempt to estimate the frequency of this comp lication. Of these patients 105 were children and 69 were adults. Hist ory of at least one episode of priapism was obtained from 32 patients (18.4%). This is a much higher frequency than previously reported from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The previously reported low fre quency may have been due to cultural factors or to overlooking the dia gnosis at presentation.