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Nosocomial Infection in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Helen M. Crowe ,
Deborah A. Lichtenberg  and
Donald E. Craven
Helen M. Crowe
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston City Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Deborah A. Lichtenberg
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston City Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Donald E. Craven*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston City Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
*
Boston City Hospital, 818 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118
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Abstract

Although the vulnerability of patients with sickle cell disease to infection with encapsulated organisms is well recognized, nosocomial transmission of infection has not been studied in this population. We describe eight serious, nosocomially transmitted infections in four adult patients hospitalized for complications of sickle cell disease, which led to death in one patient and prolonged hospital stays in three others. Although we have not surveyed all patients with sickle cell disease for rates of nosocomial infection, the cases presented suggest that these patients may be at increased risk. Risk can be reduced if health care workers are especially vigilant in adhering to handwashing and other infection control measures when caring for these patients. Additionally, we recommend that a patient with sickle cell disease not share a room with a patient known to have or suspected of having a nosocomial or community-acquired infectious disease.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 9 , Issue 9 , September 1988 , pp. 405 - 408
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1988

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