[Bone pain after long distance flight as first manifestation of HbSC disease]

A 7-year old Ghanese boy was admitted with repeated bone pain. Multiple bone marrow alterations were seen as the causal factor. HbSC disease was diagnosed by hemoglobin electrophorics. The onset of pain attacks appears to be linked to the long distance flight from Ghana to Austria. Due to severe bone marrow affection, beside symptomatic therapy a long-term treatment with hydroxyurea was started, leading to an HbF increase from 5.1 % to 19.3 %. After a follow-up of 8 months the patient has remained free of complaints.