Sickle cell anemia at the Harlem Hospital Center

A study is reported of 121 patients with sickle cell anemia admitted over a 7 yr period. The age range was from 6 mth to 49 yr with 40% or 48 cases at 20 yr of age or more. There were 3 fatalities during this interval. Severe bacterial infections were proved in 6 cases. These included 2 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, 3 of sepsis, and one of urinary tract infection. No cases of meningitis or osteomyelitis occurred. Salmonella and Pneumococci were not isolated. Patients under the age of 16 yr presented predominantly with fever (56%) and less often with pain (27.5%). Among those over 16 yr of age pain was the dominant sign (79%). The age range and rarity of fatalities suggest a better prognosis than has previously been offered.