[Osteoarticular infections in patients with sickle cell disease in Lubumbashi: epidemiological study focusing on etiology and management].

INTRODUCTION

infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease, especially before age 5 years. The purpose of this study was to highlight the epidemiological features, etiologies and management of osteoarticular infections in patients with sickle cell disease in Lubumbashi.

METHODS

we conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study at the Research Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Lubumbashi (RCSCDL) over a three-year period from June 2014 to June 2017. It included all patients with sickle cell disease on follow up at the RCSCDL who developed osteoarticular infection. Data were obtained from a survey form. Parameters were patient's age, age at first visit, sex, reason for consultation, history, physical signs, diagnosis, paraclinical assessment and treatment.

RESULTS

we identified 35 cases of osteoarticular infections out of a total of 380 cases of sickle-cell disease, reflecting a rate of 9.2%. The most affected age group was people under 5 years of age (37.1%); the average age was 10.9±9.5 years ranging from 8 months and 37 years. There was a slight female predominance (51.4% of cases; sex ratio 1.06 in favor of women). Most patients with osteoarticular infection had a history of transfusion (16.6%) and splenectomy (8.6%). The most common reason for consulting was limb pain (84%); 20 patients (57.1%) had bulbar conjunctival icterus and 26 (74.3%) were pale. Clinical examination showed limb swelling and wound in 27 patients (77.1%) and 19 patients (54.3%), respectively. Clinical palpation of the splenomegaly was performed in 6 patients (17.1%). Three types of osteoarticular infections were detected. They were dominated by osteomyelitis (24 cases; 68.57%) followed by osteitis (7 cases; 20%) and suppurative arthritis (4 cases; 11.43%). Out of 24 cases of osteomyelitis, 18 were acute (75%) and 6 were chronic (25%), of which 4 had a hyperostosing behaviour and 2 a fistulising behaviour. Tibia was the most affected bone (18 cases), X-ray mainly showed osteolysis (27 cases; 77.1%) and then periosteolysis (15 cases; 42.9%). Homozygous sickle cell disease was found in 88.6% of cases. Hemoculture was performed in 17 out the 35 patients and salmonella was isolated in 15 out of 17 cultures (88.23%). Pyoculture was performed in 10 patients; it isolated other germs. Assessment of inflammation was performed in 21 patients: 15 had hyperleukocytosis, 13 pathological white blood cell formula , all had increased sedimentation rate (greater than 20mm in the 1st hour). With respect to immunization schedule, 62.86% of patients received EPI vaccines while patients with sickle cell disease who needed specific vaccine had an adherence rate of 17.14%. With respect to therapy, all of our patients received medical treatment; 6 patients underwent sequestrectomy (17.14%) while the majority of patients (25 cases) underwent orthopedic treatment.

Conclusion

bone infection in patients with sickle cell disease is a worryng issue in our poor environment where there isn't a specific vaccine for patients with sickle cell disease.