Sickle cell disease and HIV: a case highlighting management challenges for children in a resource-limited setting

Esther Brenda Odera1, Charles Kwobah, Geren Stone

  • 1Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.

Insights

Managing sickle cell disease (SCD) and HIV in children is challenging. A Kenyan girl with SCD and HIV experienced a severe reaction to antiretroviral therapy (ART), highlighting limited treatment options.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder causing chronic anemia and severe complications.
  • Co-infection with HIV in children with SCD presents complex management challenges, especially in resource-limited settings.

Observation:

  • This case report details an 18-month-old Kenyan girl diagnosed with both SCD and HIV.
  • The child experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction to the initial first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Findings:

  • Choosing an alternative ART regimen was difficult due to side effect profiles, accessibility issues, and national guidelines.
  • The case underscores the scarcity of pediatric treatment options and data for co-infected patients.

Implications:

  • This highlights an urgent need for more research into safe and effective ART regimens for children with SCD and HIV.
  • Improved treatment guidelines and drug accessibility are crucial for managing this vulnerable pediatric population.

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