ACUTE CHEST SYNDROME IN SICKLE-CELL-ANEMIA

A patient suffering from sickle cell anaemia who presented with the ac ute chest syndrome is described. The syndrome is reported to he one of the commonest causes of death in adults suffering from sickle cell di sease. As it is difficult at presentation to distinguish the syndrome from infection, it is usual to give treatment appropriate for both. Ea rly exchange transfusion is thought to limit further damage from sickl ing and offers the best hope of recovery.