Severe Vaso-Occlusive Episodes Associated with Use of Systemic Corticosteroids in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Deepika S Darbari; Ros S Fasano; Caterina P Minniti; Oswald O Castro; Victor R Gordeuk; James G Taylor 6th; Jeffre Y Rehm

doi:10.1016/S0027-9684(15)31410-3

Severe Vaso-Occlusive Episodes Associated with Use of Systemic Corticosteroids in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

J Natl Med Assoc. 2008 Aug;100(8):948-951. doi: 10.1016/S0027-9684(15)31410-3.

Authors

Deepika S Darbari¹, Ros S Fasano², Caterina P Minniti², Oswald O Castro³, Victor R Gordeuk³, James G Taylor 6th⁴, Jeffre Y Rehm⁵

Affiliations

¹ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. Electronic address: darbaris@yahoo.com.
² Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
³ Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC.
⁴ Pulmonary and Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD.
⁵ Pulmonary Associates of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA.

Abstract

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are occasionally prescribed systemic corticosteroids to treat steroid-responsive conditions. Additionally, use of systemic corticosteroids for sickle cell pain episodes and acute chest syndrome is under investigation. We report 4 patients with SCD who developed severe vaso-occlusive events following the administration of systemic steroids. We also review similar cases from the literature and suggest measures for reducing the potential risk associated with use of systemic corticosteroids in this group of patients. We conclude that corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients with SCD.

Keywords: adverse events; bone; corticosteroids; sickle cell anemia; vaso-occlusion.

Abstract

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