Back to Search Start Over

Sickle cell crisis: A crisis of a different sort?

Authors :
Kumar, Gurinder
Al Muwaijei, Ayesha Ateeq
Sohal, Aman Preet Singh
Source :
Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice; 2018, Vol. 103 Issue: 6 p290-336, 47p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

A 9-year-old boy with sickle cell disease (SCD) was presented to the emergency department with acute headache and swelling over his bilateral temporoparietal region. There was no history of antecedent trauma, fever, vomiting or other features of an intercurrent illness. On arrival, his blood pressure was 112/62 mm Hg, heart rate was 98/min and his Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15/15. There was evidence of significant scalp tenderness over the bilateral temporoparietal region. A complete neurological examination including direct and consensual pupillary response was unremarkable. Initial investigations revealed haemoglobin of 9.6 g/dL, leucocyte count of 6.8/mm3, platelet count of 219/mm3and a normal coagulation profile. His current medications included hydroxyurea and penicillin prophylaxis. He underwent an urgent CT of the head followed by MRI of the brain, which revealed abnormalities as depicted in figures 1,2. [Figure] [Figure] Question 1Is this one of the most common neurological presentation seen in sickle cell crisis?Question 2How common is this presentation in paediatric SCD?Question 3What is the best way to manage this child?

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17430585 and 17430593
Volume :
103
Issue :
6
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs47112988
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2017-313899