Novel influenza A (H1N1) viral infection in pediatric patients with sickle-cell disease.
BACKGROUND
The 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has had profound public health implications all over the world. The majority of patients infected with the novel strain have recovered uneventfully. However, certain populations have been defined who appear to be at increased risk of complications due to H1N1 infections. This review summarizes the clinical course of five patients with sickle cell, four of whom had confirmed H1N1 infection, and one whom had a presumed H1N1 infection.


METHODS
The clinical presentation, hospital course, and treatment of five pediatric patients with sickle-cell disease and H1N1 infection were reviewed retrospectively.


RESULTS
In this case series, our patients experienced complications such as the acute chest syndrome, acute marrow suppression of red cell production, pain crisis, and hematuria.


CONCLUSIONS
In this population, who are at increased risk for bacterial superinfection as well as complications from the influenza virus itself, vigilance toward diagnosis and aggressive treatment will continue to be important as long as the novel virus is in circulation.
Jacobs
James E
JE
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, Oakland, California 94609, USA. jjacobs@mail.cho.org
Quirolo
Keith
K
Vichinsky
Elliott
E
D056586:Acute Chest Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015163:Superinfection / Q000209:etiology