Dactylitis: A Complication in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood erythrocytes responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. This is the most commonly inherited blood disorder. One of the most widespread manifestations of SCD is painful vaso-occlusive crises and osteomyelitis. Dactylitis or hand-foot syndrome is the first clinical sign of SCD among children under the age of 6 years, particularly for those aged 1-2 years. Sickle cell dactylitis, an acute vaso-occlusive condition is associated with pain and edema on the dorsum of hands or feet or both simultaneously, along with elevated local temperature and erythema. This review will detail the problems associated with the bone and skeletal involvement in SCD with specific emphasis on dactylitis in children; description of its signs, symptoms, effects, as well as treatment procedure. Keyword: Dactylitis, Sickle cell disease, osteomyelitis, erythema Salma AlDallal Department of Haematology Laboratory Specialties, Amiri Hospital, Kuwait [email protected]