During his hospital stay, the patient gradually regained strength in his left extremities and was eventually discharged from the hospital with minimal motor deficits. He was also seizure free throughout his hospital stay.

Summary

Children with SCD represent a unique challenge given the potential for life-threatening pulmonary, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and infectious complications associated with the unique anatomic and physiologic characteristics of children.

Emergency physicians must maintain a high suspicion for complications, as they may not be apparent on the initial evaluation. Pain control, in the form of parenteral narcotics, is the mainstay of treatment for SCD patients presenting to the emergency department, but emergency physicians must also be prepared to initiate transfusion or admit those patients requiring transfusion. Through vigilant care, the emergency physician can help achieve improved outcomes for these patients.

Disclosures

Dr. Bernard L. Lopez and Dr. Cynthia Obi wrote “Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease.” Dr. Lopez is professor and vice chair of Academic Affairs, in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and associate dean for student affairs and career counseling at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Dr. Obi is an emergency physician at Methodist West Houston Hospital, Katy, Texas. Dr. Solomon is Medical Editor of ACEP News and editor of the “Focus On… Critical Decisions” series, core faculty in the emergency medicine residency at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia. Mary Anne Mitchell is an ACEP staff member who reviews and manages the ACEP “Focus On… Critical Decisions” series.

Disclosures

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards and American College of Emergency Physicians policy, all individuals in control of content must disclose to the program audience the existence of significant financial interests in or relationships with manufacturers of commercial products that might have a direct interest in the subject matter.

Dr. Lopez, Dr. Obi, Dr. Solomon, and Ms. Mitchell have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies that pertain to this article. There is no commercial support for this activity.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The American College of Emergency Physicians is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American College of Emergency Physicians designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.TM Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.