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Sickle cell screening practice in pediatric emergency departments
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Sickle cell screening is crucial for black children in emergency departments. Many children lack documented sickle cell status, necessitating in-ED screening for accurate management and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Management of black children in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) often requires knowledge of their sickle cell status.
- Sickle cell disease is a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current practices of sickle cell screening in pediatric EDs.
- To evaluate the accessibility and utilization of newborn sickle cell screening results.
- To assess the need for in-ED sickle cell screening.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 32 pediatric EDs regarding sickle cell screening practices.
- Prospective review of 60 black children under two years old presenting to a pediatric ED.
- Analysis of patient records and physician communication regarding sickle cell status.
Main Results:
- 22 out of 28 surveyed EDs (79%) included sickle cell screening.
- Parents of only 18% of patients needing sickle cell status information knew their child's status.
- In-ED screening was required for 59% of patients, detecting three new cases of sickle cell trait.
Conclusions:
- Sickle cell screening is recommended for young black children presenting to EDs with fever or symptoms suggestive of sickle cell disease complications.
- Improved systems are needed for accessing and utilizing newborn screening results.
- In-ED screening plays a vital role in identifying sickle cell status when other methods fail.