[Infections and antibiotic prophylaxis in sickle cell disease].

Abstract

Bacterial infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among young children with sickle cell disease. Susceptibility to infections is mainly observed in homozygous sickle cell disease. The incidence of bacteremias in children under 3 years of age is approximately 8 events/100 patient-years among homozygous subjects and approximately S events/100 patient-years among those with SC hemoglobinopathy. Pneumococci and Salmonellae are the most frequently isolated bacteria. Severe clinical manifestations include septicemia, meningitis, osteomyelitis and pneumonia. M. Pneumoniae and C. Pneumoniae infections may be severe and may induce acute chest syndrome. The high incidence and severity of bacterial infections in these children justify prevention efforts by antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination. The efficacy of oral penicillin prophylaxis against pneumococcal infections has been well demonstrated and is now recommended from 3 months of age. The antipneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in young infants.

• Authors: Ph Lepage, M F Dresse, P Forget, V Schmitz, C Hoyoux
• Journal: Revue medicale de Liege (Rev Med Liege) Vol. 59 Issue 3 Pg. 145-8 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0370-629X [Print] Belgium
• Vernacular Title: Infections et prophylaxies antiinfectieuses dans la drépanocytose.
• PMID: 15139401 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Influenza Vaccines
• Pneumococcal Vaccines

Topics

• Anemia, Sickle Cell (complications, physiopathology)
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis
• Bacterial Infections (complications, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Influenza Vaccines (administration & dosage)
• Pneumococcal Vaccines (administration & dosage)