Significance of fever in Jamaican patients with homozygous sickle cell disease

Malaria and typhoid fever among patients presenting with febrile illnesses in Ga West Municipality, Ghana

BACKGROUND

Clinicians in areas where malaria and typhoid fever are co-endemic often treat infected patients irrationally, which may lead to the emergence of drug resistance and extra cost to patients. This study determined the proportion of febrile conditions attributable to either malaria and/or typhoid fever and the susceptibility patterns of Salmonella spp. isolates to commonly used antimicrobial agents in Ghana.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-seven (157) febrile patients attending the Ga West Municipal Hospital, Ghana, from February to May 2017 were sampled. Blood samples were collected for cultivation of pathogenic bacteria and the susceptibility of the Salmonella isolates to antimicrobial agents was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with antibiotic discs on Müller Hinton agar plates. For each sample, conventional Widal test for the detection of Salmonella spp was done as well as blood film preparation for detection of Plasmodium spp. Data on the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were collected using an android technology software kobo-collect by interview.

RESULTS

Of the total number of patients aged 2-37 years (median age = 6 years, IQR 3-11), 82 (52.2%) were females. The proportion of febrile patients with falciparum malaria was 57/157 (36.3%), while Salmonella typhi O and H antigens were detected in 23/157 (14.6%) of the samples. The detection rate of Salmonella spp in febrile patients was 10/157 (6.4%). Malaria and typhoid fever coinfection using Widal test and blood culture was 9 (5.7%) and 3 (1.9%), respectively. The isolates were highly susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin but resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol, and meropenem.

CONCLUSION

Plasmodium falciparum and Salmonella spp coinfections were only up to 1.9%, while malaria and typhoid fever, individually, were responsible for 36.3% and 6.4%, respectively. Treatment of febrile conditions must be based on laboratory findings in order not to expose patients to unnecessary side effects of antibiotics and reduce the emergence and spread of drug resistance against antibiotics.

Bacterial Infection in the Sickle Cell Population: Development and Enabling Factors

The high frequency of bacterial infections represents a major threat to public health. In developing countries, they are still responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations with sickle cell disease, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Indeed, they have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to their immune deficiency. This susceptibility is even greater for pneumococcal and salmonella infections. In addition, the underdevelopment of some countries and socio-economic factors increases this condition. This review examines the common and specific factors leading to infections in people with sickle cell disease in different types of developed and undeveloped countries. The threat of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by S. pneumoniae and Salmonella, is of increasing concern due to the rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In light of this disturbing data, new strategies to control and prevent these infections are needed. Solutions could be systematic penicillin therapy, vaccinations, and probabilistic antibiotic therapy protocols.

Life-Threatening Infectious Complications in Sickle Cell Disease: A Concise Narrative Review

Sickle cell disease (SCD) results in chronic hemolytic anemia, recurrent vascular occlusion, insidious vital organ deterioration, early mortality, and diminished quality of life. Life-threatening acute physiologic crises may occur on a background of progressive diminishing vital organ function. Sickle hemoglobin polymerizes in the deoxygenated state, resulting in erythrocyte membrane deformation, vascular occlusion, and hemolysis. Vascular occlusion and increased blood viscosity results in functional asplenia and immune deficiency in early childhood, resulting in life-long increased susceptibility to serious bacterial infections. Infection remains a main cause of overall mortality in patients with SCD in low- and middle-income countries due to increased exposure to pathogens, increased co-morbidities such as malnutrition, lower vaccination rates, and diminished access to definitive care, including antibiotics and blood. Thus, the greatest gains in preventing infection-associated mortality can be achieved by addressing these factors for SCD patients in austere environments. In contrast, in high-income countries, perinatal diagnosis of SCD, antimicrobial prophylaxis, vaccination, aggressive use of antibiotics for febrile episodes, and the availability of contemporary critical care resources have resulted in a significant reduction in deaths from infection; however, chronic organ injury is problematic. All clinicians, regardless of their discipline, who assume the care of SCD patients must understand the importance of infectious disease as a contributor to death and disability. In this concise narrative review, we summarize the data that describes the importance of infectious diseases as a contributor to death and disability in SCD and discuss pathophysiology, prevalent organisms, prevention, management of acute episodes of critical illness, and ongoing care.

[Digestives diseases associated to sickle cell anemia in Lubumbashi: epidemiological and clinical aspects]

Introduction

la drépanocytose est une maladie génétique de transmission autosomique liée à une anomalie de structure de l'hémoglobine qui aboutit à la formation de l'hémoglobine S. Le but de notre étude est de colliger les cas de pathologies digestives rencontrées chez les drépanocytaires de Lubumbashi et d'en ressortir les caractéristiques épidémiologiques et cliniques.

Méthodes

il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive transversale réalisée au Centre de Recherche de la Drépanocytose de Lubumbashi. Elle a concerné les dossiers des patients suivi pour drépanocytose ayant présenté une pathologie digestive au cours de notre période de 3 ans (de janvier 2015 à décembre 2017). Le recueil des données s'est fait grâce à une fiche d'enquête comportant différents paramètres d'étude comprenant: l'âge, le sexe, le motif de consultation, le diagnostic, le type de crise vaso-occlusive, les examens paracliniques réalisés, le traitement à l'hydroxyurée.

Résultats

nous avons colligé 206 dossiers (N=206) des patients drépanocytaires ayant fait une pathologie digestive sur un total de 403 dossiers examinés, ce qui représente une fréquence de 51,11% des pathologies digestives chez les drépanocytaires. Les 2 sexes sont représentés avec une légère prédominance féminine (51,94%) et un sexe ratio H/F: 0,92. La tranche d'âge la plus représentée est celle comprise entre 1 et 6 ans (32,52%), la moyenne d'âge: 11,8ans; écart-type: 21,9; âges extrêmes: 13 mois et 38 ans. Le motif de consultation est dominé par la fièvre (60,67%), la douleur abdominale (44,66%) et les troubles digestifs (30,09%). Les crises vaso-occlusives abdominales sont retrouvées chez 65 patients (31,55%) parmi lesquels 36 patients ont présenté 1 seule crise, 24 en ont présenté 2 et 5 patients en ont présenté 3. Les pathologies intestinales étaient présentes chez 121 patients (69,41%) dominées par la parasitose intestinale (retrouvée chez 58 patients dont l'examen des selles a mis en évidence 4 parasites: le Yersinia enterocolitis, l'entamoeba histolytica, le Giardia intestinalis et le clostridium difficile); les pathologies gastriques retrouvées chez 105 patients (50,97%) reparties en ulcère gastro-duodénal (45 patients) et gastrite (60 patients); la pathologie vésiculo-biliaire présente chez 40 patients (19,41%) comprenant la lithiase vésiculaire sans cholécystite 32 patients, la cholécystite lithiasique 5 patients et 3 cas de lithiase de la voie biliaire principale; 1 seul cas de pancréatite aigue diagnostiquée. Les pathologies associées les plus retrouvées dans notre étude sont respiratoires avec 169 cas (82,03%), oto-rhino-laryngologiques avec 157 cas (76,21%), les crises vaso-occlusives osseuses (146 cas soit 70,87%), pathologies uro-génitales avec 64 cas (31,06%) et le paludisme chez 51 patients (24,75%). Les atteintes spléniques et hépatiques ont constitué chacun 47 cas (22,81%) et 18 cas (8,73%). L'échographie a était demandé chez 79 patients mais seulement 31 d'entre-eux l'ont réalisé, faute de moyen financier car il coute sur place 20 dollars américains. En cas de splénomégalie cliniquement évidente, le corps de Jolly a été demandé chez 23 patients mais seulement 2 patients l'ont réalisé vu qu'il coute 10 dollars américains. L'hémogramme de routine fait de l'hémoglobine, hématocrite, bilan inflammatoire et la goutte épaisse a été réalisée chez tous nos patients mais le bilan hépatique, les examens des selles, des urines sont préconisés en fonction de la plainte. Sur nos 206 patients, 60 seulement d'entre eux étaient sous traitement à l'hydroxyurée (29,16%).

Conclusion

les pathologies digestives sont fréquentes chez les drépanocytaires et représentent quasiment la moitié de l'effectif drépanocytaire. Malheureusement, la meilleure prise en charge reste butée à la pauvreté manifeste de la population limitants les examens paracliniques très utiles dans la pathologie digestive rencontrée chez le drépanocytaire.

Vaccines for preventing invasive salmonella infections in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Salmonella infections are a common bacterial cause of invasive disease in people with sickle cell disease especially children, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although available in some centres, people with sickle cell anaemia are not routinely immunized with salmonella vaccines. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether routine administration of salmonella vaccines to people with sickle cell disease reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with infection.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.We also conducted a search of the LILACS database and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/trialsearch) and ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov).Date of most recent searches: 17 October 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to select all randomized controlled trials that compared the use of either the inactivated vaccine or an oral attenuated vaccine with a placebo among people with sickle cell disease. Equally, studies that compared the efficacy of one vaccine type over another were to be selected for the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials of salmonella vaccines in people with sickle cell disease were found.

MAIN RESULTS

There is an absence of randomized controlled trial evidence relating to the scope of this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It is expected that salmonella vaccines may be useful in people with sickle cell disease, especially in resource-poor settings where the majority of those who suffer from the condition are found. Unfortunately, there are no randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of the different types of salmonella vaccines in people with sickle cell disease. We conclude that there is a need for a well-designed, adequately-powered, randomized controlled trial to assess the benefits and risks of the different types of salmonella vaccines as a means of improving survival and decreasing mortality from salmonella infections in people with sickle cell disease. However, we believe that there are unlikely to be any trials published in this area, therefore, this review will no longer be regularly updated.

Outcomes of febrile events in pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists to create institutional admission criteria guidelines for febrile sickle cell patients. In addition, evidence is lacking to understand readmission rates for febrile sickle cell patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) or hospital.

PROCEDURES

We conducted a 16-year retrospective study of bacteremia outcomes for febrile sickle cell patients. Risk variables analyzed included fever (either ≥ 39.5°C or ≥40°C), abnormal white blood cell (WBC) (>30,000 or <5,000/mcL), tachycardia and hypotension, or "ill appearing." Fourteen-day readmission rates were analyzed to determine outcomes for febrile sickle cell patients discharged from the ED or discharged within 72 h.

RESULTS

Bacteremia was identified in 17 (2.6%) of 653 febrile events that are presented to the ED. "Ill-appearing" patients had an 8.5-fold increased odds of being diagnosed with bacteremia. Models using WBC count, "ill appearing," and hypotension have the highest sensitivity and specificity (AUC > 0.75). Among 427 patients discharged from the ED or within 72 h of hospitalization, only 10 (2.3%) were readmitted for a new sickle cell complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Institutions can develop admission criteria based on WBC count, hypotension, and "ill appearance." Persistently febrile, well-appearing patient can be discharged at 48 h with minimal risk for new complications.

ACS in children with sickle cell anaemia in Uganda: prevalence, presentation and aetiology

ACS (ACS) is a serious complication of sickle cell anaemia (SCA). We set out to describe the burden, presentation and organisms associated with ACS amongst children with SCA attending Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. In a cross-sectional study, 256 children with SCA and fever attending Mulago Hospital were recruited. Chest X-rays, blood cultures, complete blood count and sputum induction were performed. Sputum samples were investigated by Ziehl-Nielsen staining, culture and DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia pneumoniae. Of the 256 children, 22·7% had ACS. Clinical and laboratory findings were not significantly different between children with ACS and those without, besides cough and abnormal signs on auscultation. Among the 83 sputum cultures Streptococcus pneumoniae (12%) and Moraxella spp (8%), were the commonest. Of the 59 sputa examined with DNA PCR, 59·3% were positive for Chlamydia pneumoniae. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated in 6/83 sputa. These results show that one in 5 SCA febrile children had ACS. There were no clinical and laboratory characteristics of ACS, but cough and abnormalities on auscultation were associated with ACS. The high prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in children with ACS in this setting warrants the addition of macrolides to treatment, and M. tuberculosis should be differential in sub-Saharan children with ACS.

The morbidity pattern of children with sickle cell disorders admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados (2009-2013)

A retrospective study was conducted by examining all the medical files of all the children with sickle cell anaemia (Hb SS) admitted from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. A total of 220 admission notes (59 patients aged 5 months-16 years) were analysed. Of these, 53.2% were boys; 85.8% of the patients had Hb SS. The most common reason for admission was vaso-occlusive crisis. Blood transfusions were used in 39.7% of admissions There were no deaths during the study period. We note the number of sickle cell-related admissions and morbidity has increased, along with an increase in the number of blood transfusions. The mortality rate for children with sickle cell in Barbados is low compared to other territories in the Caribbean and worldwide. The need for better comprehensive management protocols and universal screening should decrease the morbidity patterns seen in this study.

[Major sickle cell syndromes and infections associated with this condition in children in Burkina Faso]

Introduction

Le but de cette étude était d’étudier les infections chez les enfants présentant un syndrome drépanocytaire majeur.

Méthodes

Étude hospitalière monocentrique, rétrospective descriptive sur dix années menée à Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Étaient inclus tous les enfants porteurs d'un syndrome drépanocytaire majeur (homozygote SS et double hétérozygote SC, SD_Punjab, Sβ thalassémique, SO_Arab et SE) hospitalisés pour une infection bactérienne confirmée à la microbiologie.

Résultats

Cent trente trois patients répondaient à nos critères d’inclusion. Le phénotype SS représentait 63,2% des cas et le SC 36,8%. La fréquence des infections était de 21,8%. Celles-ci touchaient dans 45,9% des cas les enfants âgés de 0 à 5 ans. Les signes les plus fréquents étaient les douleurs ostéoarticulaires (42,1%), la toux (25,7%), les douleurs abdominales (23,3%), la pâleur (43,6%). Les broncho-pneumopathies (31,6%), le paludisme (16,5%), les ostéomyélites (12,8%) et les septicémies (10,5%) étaient les principaux diagnostics trouvés. Les agents pathogènes isolés étaient Streptococcus pneumoniae (35,5%) et Salmonella sp (33,3%). Les céphalosporines de 3e génération étaient les antibiotiques les plus fréquemment prescrits. Le taux brut de mortalité était de 7,5%.

Conclusion

Les infections bactériennes et le paludisme dominent le tableau des infections chez l'enfant drépanocytaire majeur au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles De Gaulle. Les auteurs recommandent la mise en place d’un programme national de prise en charge de la drépanocytose, ce qui permettrait de prévenir voire réduire la survenue des infections chez les enfants drépanocytaires.

Bacteraemia in sickle cell anaemia is associated with low haemoglobin: a report of 890 admissions to a tertiary hospital in Tanzania

Bacteraemia is a leading cause of morbidity in sickle cell anaemia (SCA), but information from studies in Africa is limited. We evaluated 890 admissions from 648 SCA patients at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Bacteraemia was present in 43 admissions (4·8%); isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (12/43; 28%), non‐Typhi Salmonella (9/43; 21%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3/43; 7%) and Salmonella Typhi (2/43; 5%). Compared to SCA patients without bacteraemia, SCA patients with bacteraemia had significantly lower haemoglobin [71 g/l vs. 62 g/l, odds ratio 0·72 (95% confidence interval 0·56–0·91), P < 0·01]. Further exploration is needed of the relationship between anaemia and bacterial infections in SCA in Africa.

Vaccines for preventing invasive salmonella infections in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Salmonella infections are a common bacterial cause of invasive disease in people with sickle cell disease especially children, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although available in some centres, people with sickle cell anaemia are not routinely immunized with salmonella vaccines. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether routine administration of salmonella vaccines to people with sickle cell disease reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with infection.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.We also conducted a search of the LILACS database.Date of most recent searches: 05 May 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to select all randomized controlled trials that compared the use of either the inactivated vaccine or an oral attenuated vaccine with a placebo among people with sickle cell disease. Equally, studies that compared the efficacy of one vaccine type over another were to be selected for the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials of salmonella vaccines in people with sickle cell disease were found.

MAIN RESULTS

There is an absence of randomized controlled trial evidence relating to the scope of this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It is expected that salmonella vaccines may be useful in people with sickle cell disease, especially in resource-poor settings where the majority of those who suffer from the condition are found. Unfortunately, there are no randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of the different types of salmonella vaccines in people with sickle cell disease. We conclude that there is a need for a well-designed, adequately-powered, randomized controlled trial to assess the benefits and risks of the different types of salmonella vaccines as a means of improving survival and decreasing mortality from salmonella infections in people with sickle cell disease.

Fever in sickle cell disease patients in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormal red blood cell shape (sickling). The incidence of the disease in the Kingdom of Bahrain is approximately 2.1%. Patients with SCD are prone to multiple health complications, some of which are fatal. A retrospective study was conducted at the Salmaniya Medical Complex in the Kingdom of Bahrain from June, 2012 to December, 2012 to assess the incidence of fever among the SCD in-patients at that institution. The study also assessed the antibiotics administered, type of organisms isolated and patient outcome. The results showed that a total of 59 patients developed fever and 33 of those with fever had a positive culture result (55.93%). The most common isolate was gram-positive bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus epidermidis (42.86%), and ceftriaxone was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial. In conclusion, there was a low rate of hospital acquired infection and special attention needs to be paid to the infection control measures for SCD patients. For most of the SCD fever cases, there was no clear cause of the fever even after extensive diagnostic evaluations; thus, those fevers may have been of a non-infectious etiology in this population. Fortunately, none of the patients had any of the common preventable infections as a result of the high vaccination coverage and strong vaccination program in place in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Sickle cell disease: new opportunities and challenges in Africa

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic causes of illness and death in the world. This is a review of SCD in Africa, which bears the highest burden of disease. The first section provides an introduction to the molecular basis of SCD and the pathophysiological mechanism of selected clinical events. The second section discusses the epidemiology of the disease (prevalence, morbidity, and mortality), at global level and within Africa. The third section discusses the laboratory diagnosis and management of SCD, emphasizing strategies that been have proven to be effective in areas with limited resources. Throughout the review, specific activities that require evidence to guide healthcare in Africa, as well as strategic areas for further research, will be highlighted.

Community-acquired Salmonella bacteraemia in patients with sickle-cell disease 1969-2008: a single centre study

We document the aetiology of community-acquired bacteraemia in sickle-cell disease (SCD) patients and present clinical aspects of 11 cases of Salmonella bacteraemia. Prospective computerized records of all significant bacteraemic episodes presenting to our institution from 1969 to 2008 were analysed. Additional clinical information was drawn from hospital medical records. Six thousand three hundred and sixty-nine community-acquired bacteraemic episodes were documented, with 66 occurring in SCD patients. Salmonella species were the third most frequently isolated organism in SCD patients; 18% of bacteraemias in SCD patients were caused by Salmonella species vs 3% in non-SCD patients (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the proportion of community-acquired Salmonella bacteraemic episodes caused by non-Typhi species was significantly higher in SCD compared to other patients (p = 0.0015). Focal infection was identified in 7 of the 11 cases of Salmonella bacteraemia in SCD patients, with bone and joint accounting for 6 of these. Infection may have been acquired during travel to the tropics in 4 patients. Our study supports the view that SCD patients are particularly susceptible to Salmonella infection. These infections frequently require multiple surgical interventions and prolonged hospital stays. SCD patients should be advised to pay particular attention to food hygiene while travelling to the tropics.

Vaccines for preventing invasive salmonella infections in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Salmonella infections are a common bacterial cause of invasive disease in people with sickle cell disease especially children, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although available in some centres, people with sickle cell anaemia are not routinely immunized with salmonella vaccines.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether routine administration of salmonella vaccines to people with sickle cell disease reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with infection.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.We also conducted a search of the LILACS database.Date of most recent search of the Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 17 June 2009.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to select all randomized controlled trials that compared the use of either the inactivated vaccine or an oral attenuated vaccine with a placebo among people with sickle cell disease. Equally, studies that compared the efficacy of one vaccine type over another were to be selected for the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials of salmonella vaccines in people with sickle cell disease were found.

MAIN RESULTS

There is an absence of randomized controlled trial evidence relating to the scope of this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It is expected that salmonella vaccines may be useful in people with sickle cell disease, especially in resource-poor settings where the majority of those who suffer from the condition are found. Unfortunately, there are no randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of the different types of salmonella vaccines in people with sickle cell disease. We conclude that there is a need for a well-designed, adequately-powered, randomized controlled trial to assess the benefits and risks of the different types of salmonella vaccines as a means of improving survival and decreasing mortality from salmonella infections in people with sickle cell disease.

Fatal delayed transfusion reaction in a sickle cell anemia patient with Serratia marcescens sepsis

Patients with sickle cell anemia may require repeated red cell transfusion, putting them at risk for minor blood group alloimmunization and the development of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. Although Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in patients with sickle cell anemia, those who have been recently hospitalized are at risk for infection with resistant hospital-associated organisms, and blood transfusion may put the patient at risk of infection with transfusion-associated organisms such as Serratia marcescens and Yersinic enterocolitica. We recently cared for an adolescent with sickle cell anemia who presented to the emergency department with a severe, delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction and Serratia marcescens infection. The patient had been discharged from the hospital five days previously, and had been transfused and treated with antibiotics while hospitalized. In addition to demonstrating the potential severity of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, our case illustrates the importance of providing relatively broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage to patients with sickle cell anemia and possible infection who have recently been hospitalized.

Bloodstream infections in hospitalized adults with sickle cell disease: a retrospective analysis

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). In children with SCD, BSI are most often caused by encapsulated organisms. There is a surprising paucity of medical literature that is focused on evaluating SCD adults with BSI. We reviewed the charts of adults with SCD and BSI who were admitted to our hospital between April 1999 and August 2003. During this period a total of 1,692 hospital admissions for 193 adults with SCD were identified and 28% of these patients had at least 1 episode of positive blood cultures, with 69 episodes (17%) considered true BSI. Nosocomial BSI occurred in 34 episodes (49%). Among community BSI, in contrast to BSI in children with SCD, Streptococcus pneumoniae was rarely encountered. A high incidence of staphylococcal BSI in adults with SCD was noted. Twenty-eight percent of all BSI were caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and 15 of 22 isolates (68%) of these were methicillin-resistant. Gram-negative organisms, anaerobes, and yeast were found in 21 (27%), 3 (4%), and 4 isolates (5%) of BSI, respectively. Since over 80% of BSI were considered catheter-related, the higher incidence of gram-positive bacterial infections was likely due to the presence of indwelling central venous catheters. Empiric therapy for adults with SCD suspected of having BSI, especially in the presence of indwelling central venous catheters, should include antimicrobial therapy targeted at gram-positive bacteria (especially MRSA) and gram-negative bacteria. Also, if patients are critically ill, consideration should be made to include antifungal agents. Additional research into the adult SCD population appears necessary to further define this problem.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in sickle cell disease: a cross-sectional study

Background

It is known that there is significant morbidity associated with urinary tract infection and with renal dysfunction in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, it is not known if there are potential adverse outcomes associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) infections in sickle cell disease if left untreated. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ASB, in a cohort of patients with SCD.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of patients in the Jamaican Sickle Cell Cohort. Aseptically collected mid-stream urine (MSU) samples were obtained from 266 patients for urinalysis, culture and sensitivity analysis. Proteinuria was measured by urine dipsticks. Individuals with abnormal urine culture results had repeat urine culture. Serum creatinine was measured and steady state haematology and uric acid concentrations were obtained from clinical records. This was completed at a primary care health clinic dedicated to sickle cell diseases in Kingston, Jamaica. There were 133 males and 133 females in the sample studied. The mean age (mean ± sd) of participants was 26.6 ± 2.5 years. The main outcome measures were the culture of ≥ 10⁵ colony forming units of a urinary tract pathogen per milliliter of urine from a MSU specimen on a single occasion (probable ASB) or on consecutive occasions (confirmed ASB).

Results

Of the 266 urines collected, 234 were sterile and 29 had significant bacteriuria yielding a prevalence of probable ASB of 10.9% (29/266). Fourteen patients had confirmed ASB (prevalence 5.3%) of which 13 had pyuria. Controlling for genotype, females were 14.7 times more likely to have confirmed ASB compared to males (95%CI 1.8 to 121.0). The number of recorded visits for symptomatic UTI was increased by a factor of 2.5 (95% CI 1.4 to 4.5, p < 0.005) but serum creatinine, uric acid and haematology values were not different in patients with confirmed ASB compared with those with sterile urine. There was no association with history of gram negative sepsis.

Conclusion

ASB is a significant problem in individuals with SCD and may be the source of pathogens in UTI. However, further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of ASB in SCD.

Enfermedad de células falciformes: registro de la Sociedad Española de Hematología Pediátrica

INTRODUCTION

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic anemia, is currently an emerging health problem in Spain. Since 2000, The Spanish Society of Pediatric Hematology has maintained a registry of these patients. The data corresponding to 2004 are presented herein.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Information was sent by different national hospitals. Pediatric patients with SCD followed-up during 2003 were registered in the first quarter of 2004. Data on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome in each patient were gathered.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients in 24 national hospitals were registered. Of these, 99 were still under follow-up. There was no significant difference in sex. The mean age was 8.2 years. Seventy-eight percent of the patients were homozygous. Forty-four percent were born in Africa but 76% had abnormal genes originating in Africa. Neurophysiologic disorders were detected in 36% of the patients. Symptomatic treatment was given in 65%, hydroxyurea in 27%, hypertransfusional therapy in 3%, and chelation therapy, indicated for ferric overload, was provided in 4%. None of the patients underwent stem cell transplantation. Acute complications requiring hospitalization occurred in 21%, and chronic complications were observed in 27%. The most frequent chronic complications were delayed height and weight gain and liver and biliary tract disorders. Two patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms a highly significant increase in the prevalence of pediatric patients with SCD in the last 4 years, requiring greater resources to be devoted to the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease.

[Severe infections in children with sickle cell disease: clinical aspects and prevention]

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is associated with frequent and often severe infections as a result of immune function impairment and functional asplenia. Also, infection can trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. Pneumonococcal bacteremia and meningitis due to S. pneumoniae are often lethal and justify the penicillin prophylaxis, which has provided a dramatic decrease in early mortality bacterial pneumonia is common in patients younger than four years, with most cases being due to S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae. Acute chest syndrome is both a difficult differential diagnosis and a common concomitant of bacterial pneumonia, because they are often intricated. Osteomyelitis is generally due to Salmonella, most often S. enteritidis. Multiple foci are common and treatment is difficult, with some patients developing chronic osteomyelitis with sequestration. Osteomyelitis is less frequent in developed countries and must been differentiated with bone infarction by use of bone scintigraphy. Parvovirus B19 infection causes acute erythroblastopenias. Malaria does not result in cerebral malaria, but can lead to severe anaemia or vasoocclusive crisis, and should therefore be effectively prevented. Antimicrobials are generally selected for efficacy against pneumococci (septicemia, meningitis), Salmonella (osteomyelitis, meningitis), and M. pneumoniae (pneumonia). Prophylactic therapy is of paramount importance and relies on long-term or lifelong penicillin therapy started at three months of age and no closely-spaced immunizations, most notably against peumococci, hepatitis B virus, S. typhi and H. influenzae. Resistant pneumococcal strains have not been reported to cause prophylactic treatment failures. New conjugated pneumococcal vaccines are effective in protecting very young infants and should therefore be used in sickle cell patients.