title: Prophylactic antibiotics for preventing pneumococcal infection in children with sickle cell disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  People with sickle cell disease are particularly susceptible to infection. Infants and very young children are especially vulnerable, and the 'Co-operative Study of Sickle Cell Disease' observed an incidence rate of 10 per 100 patient years of pneumococcal septicaemia in children under the age of three. Vaccines, including customary pneumococcal vaccines, may be of limited use in this age group. Therefore, prophylactic penicillin regimens may be advisable for this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of prophylactic antibiotic regimens for preventing pneumococcal infection in children with sickle cell disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which is comprised of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of the most recent search: 28 March 2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing prophylactic antibiotics to prevent pneumococcal infection in children with sickle cell disease with placebo, no treatment or a comparator drug.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five trials were identified by the initial search, of which three trials met the inclusion criteria. All of the included trials showed a reduced incidence of infection in children with sickle cell disease (SS or Sβ0Thal) receiving prophylactic penicillin. In trials which investigated initiation of penicillin on risk of pneumococcal infection, the odds ratio was 0.37 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.86), while for withdrawal the odds ratio was 0.49 (95% CI 0.09 to 2.71). Adverse drug effects were rare and minor. Rates of pneumococcal infection were found to be relatively low in children over the age of five.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prophylactic penicillin significantly reduces risk of pneumococcal infection in children with homozygous sickle cell disease, and is associated with minimal adverse reactions. Further research may help to determine the ideal age to safely withdraw penicillin.
authors.affiliation: AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK. Ceri.Hirst@astrazeneca.com
authors.forename: Ceri
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hirst
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Owusu-Ofori
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006450:Hemoglobin SC Disease / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins