[Infection profile in sickle cell anemia]. / Profil infectieux chez le drépanocytaire.

Our objectives were to determine aetiology and localisation of infection in sickle cell anaemia patients. The origin of fever was malaria in 47% of cases, 50% of bacterial infections and 3% of viral infections. Respiratory infections were concerned in 61% of cases, versus 24% of osteomyelitis. Salmonella were found in 37%, Haemophilus (16%), Staphylococcus (14%), Streptococcus (10%) and Pneumococcus (9%). We found more bacterial infection in anaemic forms (SS and SFA2) and more bacterial infection anemic forms (SC, SAFA2). In view of these findings, we preconize malaria prophylaxis and vaccination against Salmonella, Haemophilus and Pneumococcus in sickle cell anemia patients.

[Epidemiologic, clinical and hematologic profile of K Woolwich hemoglobinopathies in Ivory Coast]. / Profil épidémiologique, clinique et hématologique de l'hémoglobine K Woolwich en Côte d'Ivoire.

From 1968 to 1992, the hematology laboratory at the University Hospital Center of Abidjan performed 197705 hemoglobin electrophoreses. Isoelectric focusing using the Basset technique allowed identification of hemoglobin K Woolwich. This abnormality of hemoglobin structure (beta 132 (H10) Lys ... Glu) was detected in 130 cases, i.e. 0.065%. It was homozygous in 3 cases, heterozygous in 110 cases, and associated with other hematologic abnormalities in 17 cases. The abnormality was asymptomatic and did not cause any hematological disturbance. Due to autosomal transmission, hemoglobin K Woolwich is a trait of Akan populations (75% of cases) in which it is dominant in the Attie subgroup. Given its ethnic specificity, this abnormality is of anthropological interest.

[Clinical and hematological profile of Lepore Hemoglobin in Ivory Coast]. / Profil clinique et hématologique de l'hémoglobine Lepore en Côte d'Ivoire.

Out of 97320 hemoglobin electrophoreses performed in Abidjan between January 1976 and January 1991, all subjects with hemoglobin Lepore were isolated. This trait was identified by three techniques, i.e., alkaline pH electrophoresis, acid pH electrophoresis, and isoelectric focusing. Seventy-nine cases of hemoglobin Lepore were observed. All were heterozygotes with type HbA-Lepore (n = 54), HbC-Lepore (n = 8) or HbS Lepore (n = 17). Where heterozygosis A and C had clinically silent, heterozygosis Hb-S Lepore resulted in a moderate chronic hemolytic anemia and, in all cases, painful episodes similar to those observed during homozygote sickle-cell disease. However the onset of episodes was later and their occurrence was less frequent. On hemograms, the Lepore trait (HbA Lepore) appeared as a pseudo-polyglobulia with microcytosis; similar features were observed for heterozygosis HbC Lepore. Heterozygosis HbS Lepore caused moderate anemia (mean hemoglobin level: 10.66 g/dl) and microcytosis (MGV = 68.8 fl). The characteristics show that the clinical and hematological behavior of hemoglobin Lepore, a rare hemoglobin, is similar to heterozygous beta-thalassemia.