TITLE:
Acute Thoracic Syndrome in Sickle Cell Children at the Pediatrics Department of Donka National Hospital
AUTHORS:
M. M. Diop, A. Barry, M. L. Diallo, E. Camara, I. K. Barry, M. A. Doukoure, M. C. Barry, S. B. Diallo, N. V. Gateu Tadjom, H. Dia, M. P. Diallo
KEYWORDS:
Sickle Cell Disease, Acute Thoracic Syndrome, Pediatrics Donka
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.10 No.4,
December
14,
2020
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Acute thoracic syndrome is the
appearance of a new pulmonary infiltrate on radiology associated with fever, desaturation or respiratory signs. It is the second leading cause of
hospitalization and the first cause
of death in sickle cell patients. It is an acute pulmonary complication whose
pathophysiological mechanisms are still poorly understood. This study aims to study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of
Acute Chest Syndrome in children at the Pediatrics Department of Donka National
Hospital. Method: This is a prospective study of descriptive type for a period
of 6 months from February 19 to August 19, 2019 on patients with sickle cell disease who developed an ATS in the pediatrics
department of Donka National Hospital. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data were studied and
proportionate data were calculated. Results: The frequency of ATS was 39%. The
mean age of our patients was 9.83 years with the extremes of 4 and 16 years. The age group from 6 to 10 years
with a frequency of 66.7% was the
most affected. Fever was the main clinical manifestation, followed by hepatomegaly. All our patients were homozygous SS and
undergoing folic acid prophylaxis. 96% of our patients did not receive any
specific vaccine. Antibiotic therapy, hyperhydration and analgesics were administered to all our patients. 96% of our
patients were transfused with red blood cell concentrate. 96% of our patients
were transfused with packed red blood cells. 96% of our patients were
transfused with packed red blood cells and 96% of them had a favorable outcome.
Conclusion: ATS is an acute complication of sickle cell disease
responsible for significant mortality and morbidity in the pediatric
population. Its treatment is symptomatic and must be started early. Emphasis
must be placed on prevention to prevent or limit its occurrence.