Ultrasound Acute Chest Syndrome Sickle Cell Disease

Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for the Diagnosis of Acute Chest Syndrome in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Feasibility and reliability of ultrasound in the inpatient hematology setting.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a complication of sickle cell disease where individuals have symptoms of fever, low oxygen levels or difficulty breathing in the setting of a new lung finding on chest x-ray. Chest x-ray is a useful tool to identify it but has some side effects. The investigators think ultrasound will be an equally feasible, reliable tool and minimize some of the side effects associated with chest x-ray. Ultrasound is a non-invasive was to obtain an image that does not require radiation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 0-25 years old
2. Diagnosis: Patients with a documented diagnosis of sickle cell disease (any genotype)
3. Disposition: Hospitalized for a SCD-related complication (e.g. VOC)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is considered hemodynamically unstable to undergo consent and study procedures
2. Already has diagnosis of ACS prior to admission to inpatient unit
3. POCUS operator not available