The Journal of pediatrics
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The Journal of pediatrics · Nov 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialDiscontinuing penicillin prophylaxis in children with sickle cell anemia. Prophylactic Penicillin Study II.
To evaluate the consequences of discontinuing penicillin prophylaxis at 5 years of age in children with sickle cell anemia who had received prophylactic penicillin for much of their lives. ⋯ Children with sickle cell anemia who have not had a prior severe pneumococcal infection or a splenectomy and are receiving comprehensive care may safely stop prophylactic penicillin therapy at 5 years of age. Parents must be aggressively counseled to seek medical attention for all febrile events in children with sickle cell anemia.