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[Clemence, age 8 months, presents with hand swelling]
1Clinique Adjoint, Département Universitaire de Pédiatrie Ulg, CHR Citadelle, Liège.
Revue Medicale De Liege
|July 30, 2002
Summary
Sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder, can manifest as hand-foot syndrome in infants. Early recognition of this painful swelling is crucial for timely treatment and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Hematology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder common in individuals of African descent.
- It is characterized by the presence of hemoglobin S and follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
Observation:
- A case report details an 8-month-old girl with significant hand swelling (69.3% Hb S).
- The swelling, without fever or trauma, was identified as hand-foot syndrome.
Findings:
- Hand-foot syndrome, a common early manifestation of SCD, results from bone infarction in the hands and feet.
- Symptoms include swelling, pain, erythema, and potential osteonecrosis, typically appearing between 3-6 months of age.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis of hand-foot syndrome in infants is vital for initiating preventive and therapeutic interventions.
- Early management can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with sickle cell disease complications.