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Fever in children with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|December 1, 1982
Summary
Bacteremia is infrequent in children with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies (SCHs). High fever (over 40°C) or a combination of high fever and elevated white blood cell count can indicate bacteremia in young children with SCH.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sickle cell hemoglobinopathies (SCHs) increase susceptibility to infections.
- Bacteremia and septicemia pose significant risks in children with SCHs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of bacteremia in children with SCHs.
- To identify clinical findings that predict septicemia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 153 patients with SCH.
- Analysis of 326 emergency department visits over one year.
- Evaluation of clinical data including temperature and white blood cell (WBC) counts.
Main Results:
- Four children (3.1%) had bacteremia, all with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- High fever (temperature > 40°C) was more common in bacteremic children.
- A combination of high fever (≥39.5°C) and elevated WBC count (≥20,000/cu mm) identified bacteremic children aged 2 years or younger.
Conclusions:
- Bacteremia is uncommon in children with SCHs.
- Specific clinical signs, particularly high fever and elevated WBC count, can help predict bacteremia in young children with SCHs.