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Acute pancreatitis in a child with sickle cell anemia
A G Sheehan1, H Machida, J D Butzner
1Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|January 1, 1993
Insights
Pancreatitis can be a complication of vaso-occlusive crises in children with sickle cell anemia. Clinicians should consider pancreatitis in children with multisystem diseases and abdominal pain, especially those with ischemic organ injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by vaso-occlusive crises.
- Multisystem diseases can lead to ischemic organ injury.
Observation:
- A case of pancreatitis was observed as a complication in a child with sickle cell anemia.
Findings:
- The pancreatitis was directly linked to a vaso-occlusive crisis.
- This highlights a potential, underrecognized complication of sickle cell disease.
Implications:
- Pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in children with sickle cell anemia.
- Early recognition and management of pancreatitis in these patients are crucial for improved outcomes.
Abstract:
A case of pancreatitis that occurred as a complication of a vaso-occlusive crisis in a child with sickle cell anemia is reported. We encourage others to consider pancreatitis as a cause for abdominal pain in children with multisystem diseases, particularly those that may cause ischemic organ injury such as sickle cell anemia.