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Diarrhea in Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia
American Journal of Hematology
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Diarrhea with fever is a notable symptom in children with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia, particularly those with sickle cell disease. Prompt medical attention is crucial, as this symptom can indicate a severe infection with higher mortality risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) bacteremia poses a significant health risk in children.
- Sickle cell disease (SSD) is a known risk factor for severe pneumococcal infections.
Observation:
- Diarrhea with fever was observed in 9.3% of non-SSD children and 13% of SSD children with S. pneumoniae bacteremia.
- Two children with sickle cell disease and S. pneumoniae bacteremia who developed diarrhea shortly after admission died, highlighting a potential severity indicator.
Findings:
- The mortality rate for S. pneumoniae bacteremia without diarrhea in SSD patients was 12.5%.
- Only one non-SSD patient with diarrhea and S. pneumoniae bacteremia died, suggesting diarrhea might not be as severe an indicator in non-SSD cases.
- The seasonality and serotypes associated with diarrhea cases mirrored overall S. pneumoniae infection patterns.
Implications:
- Diarrhea with fever in children with S. pneumoniae bacteremia, especially those with sickle cell disease, warrants urgent clinical evaluation.
- Understanding the clinical presentation of S. pneumoniae bacteremia can aid in early diagnosis and management, potentially improving outcomes in vulnerable pediatric populations.