Five-year retrospective study of hospitalization and treatment of patients with sickle cell anemia.

Examination of computerized hospital records of 463 admissions of 255 patients with sickle cell anemia was made. Patients ranged in age from infancy to 65, with a mean age of 17-7 years. Only 119 of the 255 patients were male, but 54% of the admissions were for males. Most patients were admitted to pediatrics and internal medicine services. Fluids and blood derivatives were given in over 60% of cases and anti-infection drugs in 40%. Mean hospital stay was 14.75 days, twice the mean for other patients. Thirty-six percent of the patients were admitted more than once. Mortality was 1.3% for the 463 admissions. Blue Cross or Medicaid accounted for payment in 51% of admissions. This information can be helpful to health planners providing comprehensive services for sickle cell patients.