Epidemiology of Invasive Bacterial Infections in Children With Sickle Cell Disease in France Between 2020 and 2025
This study focuses on children in France who have sickle cell disease and have experienced serious bacterial infections between 2020 and 2025. Children with sickle cell are more likely to get these types of infections, which can be very serious. Over time, vaccines and antibiotics have changed how common certain bacteria are. With new vaccines now available, doctors want to find out which specific bacteria are currently causing infections in these children. The aim is to gather up-to-date information that can help improve how doctors prevent and treat these infections, and guide decisions about vaccinations and antibiotic use in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a shield that protects you from illness. For children with sickle cell disease, this shield isn't always as strong as it should be, making them more vulnerable to certain serious bacterial infections. Over the years, medical science has developed better ways to protect these children, such as special antibiotics and vaccines. These protective measures have changed which bacteria tend to cause problems.
This study is like a detective story, but instead of solving a crime, researchers are trying to figure out which specific types of bacteria are currently causing serious infections in children with sickle cell disease in France. They are looking at information collected from hospitals between 2020 and 2025. This is important because new vaccines have become available, and doctors need updated information to make sure they're using the best strategies for prevention and treatment.
The main goal is to get a clear picture of these bacteria. This will help doctors understand better which germs are still a threat, and how they can improve prevention plans, including decisions about giving children antibiotics and which vaccines are most effective. By gathering this knowledge, the hope is to reduce the number of serious infections and keep children with sickle cell disease healthier.
Key takeaways
- Looks at serious infections in children with sickle cell disease in France.
- Uses existing hospital records from 2020-2025.
- Goal is to identify common infection-causing bacteria.
- Aims to improve future prevention strategies and vaccine policies.
- No new treatments or tests for children in the study.
- All patient information is kept private.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, a child must:
* Be under 18 years old and have sickle cell disease. * Have been in hospital in France between January 2020 and December 2025 because of a serious bacterial infection. These infections include conditions like meningitis (an infection around the brain), severe lung infections, bone or joint infections, or a serious blood infection. * The specific bacteria causing the infection must have been clearly identified through lab tests.
A child cannot be part of the study if their parents or guardians don't agree. Also, infections identified only by certain blood antibody tests, or simple urine infections, are not included in this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- My child has sickle cell disease.
- My child is under 18 years old.
- My child was hospitalised in France for a serious bacterial infection between Jan 2020 and Dec 2025.
- The specific bacteria causing that infection were identified by lab tests.
- I agree for my child's anonymised information to be used.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study wouldn't involve any extra visits, tests, or medication for your child. It's an observational study, which means researchers will look back at existing medical information. They will gather details from your child's hospital records from treatments that already happened between 2020 and 2025.
For example, they'll look at things like your child's age, their specific type of sickle cell disease, their vaccination history, and information about the infection they had, including lab results and how they recovered. All personal details will be kept private by using a special code instead of your child's name. This study won't change your child's current care in any way.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (31)
- Hôpital Victor Dupouy (CH Argenteuil)Verified postcodeArgenteuil, France
- CHI Robert BallangerVerified postcodeAulnay-sous-Bois, France
- Hôpital Jean VerdierVerified postcodeBondy, France
- Hôpital Pellegrin - Hôpital des EnfantsVerified postcodeBordeaux, France
- Hôpital Ambroise ParéVerified postcodeBoulogne-Billancourt, France
- Hôpital Saint CamilleVerified postcodeBry-sur-Marne, France
- Hôpital NOVOVerified postcodeCergy-Pontoise, France
- Hôpital Antoine BéclèreVerified postcodeClamart, France
- CH Sud FrancilienVerified postcodeCorbeil-Essonnes, France
- CHI CréteilVerified postcodeCréteil, France
- CH du Sud Seine et MarneVerified postcodeFontainebleau, France
- CH GonesseVerified postcodeGonesse, France
Common questions
What is 'sickle cell disease'?
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong blood disorder where red blood cells are shaped like crescents (sickles) instead of round. This can cause pain, anaemia, and increase the risk of infections.
What does 'invasive bacterial infections' mean?
This refers to serious infections where bacteria have entered parts of the body that are usually free of germs, like the bloodstream, bones, or the lining around the brain.
Will my child receive any new treatment if they are in this study?
No, this study only looks at past medical records. Your child will not receive any new treatments or medicine as part of this research.
How will my child's privacy be protected?
Scientists will use a special code instead of your child's name, so their personal identity will be kept private while their medical information is used for research.
Why is this research important?
Understanding which bacteria cause serious infections now can help doctors improve vaccines and other ways to prevent and treat these infections, making children with sickle cell disease safer.
How to find out more
Jean Gaschignard
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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