Description

Berger et al identified clinical features which can help to distinguish a vaso-occlusive crisis from osteomyelitis in a child with sickle cell disease. These features can help to identify a patient who may require a more extensive evaluation. The authors are from the Hospital for Sick Children, Princess Margaret Hospital and University of Toronto.


 

Parameters:

(1) duration of bone pain on admission

(2) duration of fever at admission

(3) swelling (edema) of affected site

(4) number of sites affected

 

Parameter

Vaso-Occlusive Crisis

Osteomyelitis

duration of pain

2 days

5 days

duration of fever

0 days

1+ days

swelling

absent or minimal

present

sites affected

2 or more

1

 

Limitations:

• Some parents will bring their children in sooner than others.

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.