Which therapy is recommended for a 13-month-old child with sickle cell disease?

For a 13-month-old child with sickle cell disease, the recommended therapy includes folic acid and penicillin V. Folic acid is essential for red blood cell production, as children with sickle cell disease often experience increased hemolysis, which leads to a higher demand for folate. Supplementation helps to maintain adequate levels and supports erythropoiesis.

Penicillin V is also recommended for children with sickle cell disease to prevent infections, particularly from encapsulated organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae. Early initiation of prophylactic penicillin, generally starting at 2 months of age and continuing until at least 5 years of age, significantly reduces the risk of severe infections, which these children are particularly susceptible to due to splenic dysfunction.

The other options combine various supplements, but the most effective and widely recommended combination for managing sickle cell disease in young children includes specifically folic acid and penicillin V to address both the need for renewed red cell production and infection prevention.