Acute chest syndrome.
Acute chest syndrome is an acute pulmonary illness in patients with sickle cell disease. It is a common problem, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Many factors may cause this syndrome. Treatment is primarily supportive. Therapy includes hydration, analgesia, supplemental oxygen, antibiotics, blood transfusion and mechanical ventilation. Early detection and aggressive management may limit its severity and prevent its complications. This article reviews the current information for its definition, frequency, pathogenesis, clinical features, complications, investigations, management and prevention. Recent advances in management of acute and recurrent attacks will be discussed.
Al-Dabbous
Ibrahim A
IA
Department of Pediatrics, Qatif Central Hospital, PO Box 628, Qatif 31911, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. idabbous@ifrance.com
D000208:Acute Disease; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013577:Syndrome