Chronic myeloid leukaemia presenting with priapism as the only symptom: A case report and review of literature

Objective: There have been few reports of priapism as complications of various haematological malignancies. Delays in establishing the cause and late institution of appropriate intervention in patients suffering from priapism could result in long-term complications, especially erectile dysfunction. We present here a case of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in a 30 year old male who presented with priapism as the only symptom. Apart from presenting this as a rare case report, it also emphasizes the need for early full blood count in patients presenting with priapism.Methods: The case note of the patient, as well as all available literature on the subject were reviewed.Results: The 30 year old man who presented with a 9 (nine) day history of persistent painful non-sexually related penile erection was found to have chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) following peripheral and bone marrow aspiration studies. He however had a delay in referral and diagnosis of his primary condition and eventually had erectile dysfunction. The priapism responded well to surgical intervention and use of cyto-reductive therapy. The erectile dysfunction could have been averted if complete blood count and, or peripheral blood film were carried out at the time of first presentationConclusion: Priapism due to hyperviscosity can be the first presentation in patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, and CML should therefore always be considered in a patient with priapism. High Index of Suspicion, as well as early full blood count and peripheral blood/Bone marrow examination among patients presenting with priapism will facilitate prompt and correct diagnosis, and reduce, if not prevent erectile dysfunction and other severe complications that may arise from priapism.Keywords: Priapism, Chronic myeloid leukaemia, erectile dysfunctio

The effect of pyridoxine supplementation on quality of life of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Objective: Pyridoxine, is essential in the metabolism of many classes of food, we aimed at determining the effect of its supplementation on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).Methods: This study compared the (QoL) and haematological parameters of CLL patients before and after the administration of pyridoxine. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 19.Results: There was improvement in the QoL of the patients after pyridoxine supplementation; Majority of the parameters that make up the physical functional scales was significantly higher after pyridoxine supplementation. There were also significant improvements in insomnia, appetite loss and constipation after pyridoxine supplementation.Conclusion: Pyridoxine supplementation in patients with CLL marginally improved quality of life.Keywords: Pyridoxine, Supplementation, Quality of life, Leukaemia, CL