Objective: Asthma is a recognized comorbidity in children with sickle
cell disease (SCD). It increases risk of acute chest syndrome (ACS),
vaso-occlusive episodes, and early mortality. We aim to determine
whether evaluation and management of children with sickle cell disease
(SCD) and asthma by a pulmonologist reduces rate of asthma exacerbation
and ACS. Methods: The study included 192 patients with SCD (0-21 years)
followed at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Hematology between
01/01/2015 and 12/31/2018 with a diagnosis of asthma, wheeze, or cough.
Patients were placed in two groups: those evaluated by a pulmonologist
(SCD-A-P) and those not (SCD-A). Rates of emergency department (ED)
visits and hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation and ACS were
compared between groups and before/after initial pulmonology visit.
Results: SCD-A-P (n=70) had lower baseline pulmonary function,
hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to SCD-A (n=122). SCD-A-P had a
higher average rate of hospital visits for asthma exacerbation and ACS
per year compared to SCD-A: 0.84 [0.56-1.12] versus 0.31
[0.18-0.43], (p<0.001). For SCD-A-P patients with at least
one hospital visit (n=48), the average rate decreased from 3.93
[1.57-6.29] before initial pulmonary visit to 0.85 [0.48-1.23]
after the visit (p=0.014). Conclusion: SCD-A-P had more severe baseline
disease and higher rates of ED visits and hospitalizations for asthma
exacerbation and ACS compared to SCD-A, but the rates significantly
decreased following pulmonology consultation. These findings support the
pulmonologist’s role in the multidisciplinary care of SCD patients.
Further studies are needed to help establish evidence-based asthma
guidelines for children with SCD.
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