Daily prophylactic penicillin until what age is recommended for children with sickle cell anemia?

Daily prophylactic penicillin until what age is recommended for children with sickle cell anemia?

• A. 2 years
• B. 5 years
• C. 10 years
• D. 15 years

Answer: (B)

Young children with sickle cell disease are at high risk for severe infection from encapsulated bacteria, especially pneumococcus, because splenic function is impaired early in life. Daily penicillin prophylaxis during this vulnerable period significantly lowers the chance of life-threatening sepsis. The protective window mainly covers infancy through about five years of age, after which the risk decreases and the benefit of continued prophylaxis is much smaller. That’s why the recommended duration is up to five years.

Young children with sickle cell disease are at high risk for severe infection from encapsulated bacteria, especially pneumococcus, because splenic function is impaired early in life. Daily penicillin prophylaxis during this vulnerable period significantly lowers the chance of life-threatening sepsis. The protective window mainly covers infancy through about five years of age, after which the risk decreases and the benefit of continued prophylaxis is much smaller. That’s why the recommended duration is up to five years.