Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infections in children with sickle cell disease.

摘要

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection was first identified in March 2009; more than 3000 deaths have been reported worldwide, with highest complication rates in those with preexisting medical conditions. Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are thought to be at increased risk of complications, although there are limited data supporting this. Hospitals in London were contacted to ask for details of children with SCD and confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) presenting between April and August 2009. Eight of 12 hospitals responded, reporting 21 cases among approximately 2200 children with SCD seen in those centers. All had sickle cell anemia (HbSS); 11 were female (median age, 7.9 years; range, 1-15 years). Two patients had cerebrovascular disease and were maintained on regular blood transfusions. Presenting symptoms included fever (19), cough (19), coryza/rhinorrhea (12), myalgia (11), dyspnea (8), headache (6), diarrhea and vomiting (3), and wheezing (2). Some children also presented with symptoms attributed to SCD including acute pain in the limbs, (10) chest (9), and abdomen (6).