In sickle cell disease, osteomyelitis is a tough call

When an SCD patient has indeterminate findings, a blood culture can be performed. If it is positive for salmonella and the ESR is above 100 mm/hour, the patient can then go on to treatment. If the blood culture is negative and the ESR is below 100 mm hour but the suspicion of osteomyelitis remains high, a bone biopsy can be considered, they concluded.

The study was internally funded. Dr. Weisman reported no conflicts of interest to disclose.