Managing acute chest syndrome of sickle cell disease in an African setting

Despite the fact that acute chest syndrome contributes immensely to morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell anaemia, its exact aetiopathogenesis is very complex and not yet well understood. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed in its diagnosis, and appropriate treatment should be commenced as soon as possible to prevent lethal complications of this condition, especially in Nigeria where appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic facilities may not be readily available. This is very important, as it may even develop on hospital admission. There is a need to further investigate preventive measures such as the use of hydroxyurea and the newly introduced Nicosan, especially in those people with recurrent disease, in order to reduce both short- and long-term complications of this syndrome among sickle cell patients in Nigeria.