An observational study of children with sickle cell disease in Kilifi, Kenya.

Globally, sickle cell disease (SCD) has its highest prevalence and worst prognosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, relatively few studies describe the clinical characteristics of children with SCD in this region. We conducted a prospective observational study of children with SCD attending a specialist out-patient clinic in Kilifi, Kenya.

Malaria as a cause of morbidity and mortality in children with homozygous sickle cell disease on the coast of Kenya.

Background: To date, it has been widely assumed that malaria is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in malaria-endemic countries, and as a result, malarial prophylaxis is commonly recommended. Nevertheless, few data are available that support this practice.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data collected prospectively from children aged 0-13 years who were admitted to Kilifi District Hospital during the period from July 1998 through June 2005.

Challenges and progress in the development of a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.

Serogroup B meningococci cause the majority of the meningococcal disease burden in developed countries. Production of an effective and safe vaccine for serogroup B organisms has been hampered by the poor immunogenicity of the capsular polysaccharide that defines this group of bacteria. Previous efforts have focused on outer membrane vesicle vaccines, which have been implemented successfully during clonal outbreaks.

Incidence and outcome of convulsive status epilepticus in Kenyan children: a cohort study.

Background: Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is the most common neurological emergency in childhood and is often associated with fever. In sub-Saharan Africa, the high incidence of febrile illnesses might influence the incidence and outcome of CSE. We aimed to provide data on the incidence, causes, and outcomes of childhood CSE in this region.