Description

A number of clinical findings may increase the risk that a patient with sickle cell disease will develop the acute chest syndrome. A patient at high risk may benefit from more aggressive monitoring and management.


 

Risk factors for the acute chest syndrome:

(1) homozygous SS or heterozgyous S with beta-0 thalassemia

(2) child (risk is highest in children 2-4 years of age, then gradually decreases as the patient gets older)

(3) no or mild anemia

(4) low levels of fetal hemoglobin F

(5) elevated steady state white blood cell count

(6) after major surgery

(7) failure to use the pneumococcal, hemophilus and influenza vaccines

 


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