Septicemia caused by Salmonella infection: an overlooked complication of sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of salmonella infections in sickle cell disease and to compare the features of osteomyelitis and those with bacteremia/septicemia without obvious bone changes. To search for risk factors for osteomyelitis, and to draw attention to the frequency and significance of salmonella bacteremia/septicemia.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all salmonella isolations from the blood, pus, or aspirates during a 22-year period.

SETTING: The sickle cell clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.

SUBJECTS: Patients with all genotypes of sickle cell disease. Incidence data and the frequency of associated cholelithiasis were derived from the cohort study based on follow-up of all children detected by neonatal screening.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Osteomyelitis and bacteremia/septicemia.

RESULTS: Of 55 patients with salmonella infections, 25 initially had osteomyelitis and 27 had bacteremia/septicemia. Three of the first group later had bacteremias for a total of 30 episodes of bacteremia/septicemia, and 4 of the second group later had osteomyelitis for a total of 32 episodes of osteomyelitis. The incidence of salmonella infection was 8.6% by 15 years, and 96% of infections occurred before the age of 10 years. Preceding episodes of avascular necrosis of bone were more frequent (p < 0.006) in patients with osteomyelitis. Patients with osteomyelitis were not more prone to gallstones. High fever (temperature > or = 40 degrees C or 104 degrees F) occurred in 41%, and occasionally marked bone marrow suppression mimicked the aplastic crisis. Twenty Salmonella serotypes were isolated; Salmonella enteritidis accounted for 36% of infections, but no serotype difference occurred between those with osteomyelitis and those with bacteremia/septicemia. There were no deaths in the 32 patients with osteomyelitis, but 7 (23%) of 30 patients with septicemia died.

CONCLUSIONS: Anti-salmonella prophylaxis requires assessment in the management of bone necrosis. Anti-salmonella agents may be indicated in undiagnosed septic conditions in sickle cell disease pending culture results.