TITLE:
“FISH VERTEBRA” about 3 Sickle Cell Patients Followed at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala
AUTHORS:
Same Bebey Francine, Mbono Betoko Ritha, Eloundou Onomo Paul, Mantho Fopa Pauline, Eposse Ekoube Charlotte, Megne Tamo Estelle, Ebene Mbende Romain, Singwe Ngandeu Madeleine
KEYWORDS:
Vertebral Fractures, Sickle Cell Anemia, Vertebral Bone Fragility
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Diseases,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
19,
2024
ABSTRACT: Vertebral involvement in particular is common in
sickle cell patients. We report 3 cases of “fish vertebra” fractures in sickle cell patients
aged 16, 18, and 24 years old respectively at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala.
When the vertebral fractures were diagnosed, the 3 patients had back pain and
kyphosis deformities of the dorsal spine. Treatment with an infusion of
biphosphonates (zoledronic acid at a dose of 0.5 mg·per·kg) was offered to all three patients. Two
out of three patients received treatment with biphosphonates with a successful
outcome. Profound vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased bone
remodeling and a history of fractures. In sickle cell anemia, vertebral
fractures may also result from bone fragility, which is often overlooked as
aseptic osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis, which are very often suspected.