The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow stem cell implantation for the treatment of leg ulcer in adult patients with sickle cell disease.

Implantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells, including endothelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, into leg ulcers has been shown to improve wound healing.

In the present study the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells implantation will be investigated in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Forty cases will be enrolled. Improvement in the pain, rate and extent of leg ulcer wound healing as measured by change in wound surface area will be evaluated until one year.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable sickle cell disease patients
• Patient hospitalized into the dermatology unit
• Patient with an evolutive leg ulcer since more than 1 year
• No infection at the time of surgery
• Patient competent to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a history of corticosteroids or on active therapy
• infection at the limb affected by ulcer
• Recurrent painful crises,
• Immunosuppressive drug therapy,
• Pregnancy,
• Presence of neoplastic disease or any other clinical concurrent condition other than sickle cell disease that predisposed them to the development of leg ulcer