Salmonella osteomyelitis in sickle cell disease children in the East End of London

Five cases of Salmonella osteomyelitis are presented in children with sickle cell disease living in the East End of London. Four of these had involvement of the long bones and one (an infant) presented with hand-foot syndrome. Four required surgical drainage of pus and all required lengthy therapy with antibiotics. Factors contributing to the increased susceptibility of these patients to invasive disease with Salmonella sp. are discussed as are the clinical features, surgical and antibiotic management and possible preventative measures.