What are some rheumatic disease mimics associated with use of hydroxyurea?
Hydroxyurea is used in SCD to increase the levels of fetal hemoglobin which does not readily sickle; in addition, hydroxyurea is used for other hematologic conditions such as myelofibrosis and thrombocytosis. There are several rheumatic disease mimics associated with hydroxyurea, such as skin ulcers that are typically seen in the lower extremities and can mimic systemic vasculitis. Hydroxyurea has also been associated with development of a painful discoloration of the hands and feet (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) that is also occasionally associated with blisters. It has also been associated with alopecia, and dermatomyositis-like and scleroderma-like syndromes. Treatment is typically withdrawal of hydroxyurea.
