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Overview
About sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia. Normal red blood cells are smooth and flexible. Shaped like the letter "O," they easily move through your child’s blood vessels. Sickle cells become rigid and sticky and are shaped like the letter "C." These oddly shaped cells tend to cluster together and get stuck in the small blood vessels, slowing or blocking blood flow and oxygen.
Symptoms and diagnosis
What to look for
Signs and symptoms
Easily tired
Anemia
Episodes of pain
Painful swelling in hands and feet
Frequent infections
Delayed growth
Vision problems
Diagnosis
Your child’s doctor will do a full physical exam and take a detailed medical history. They will also request a blood test to determine the type of hemoglobin your child has, if they have sickle cell anemia or if they are a carrier of the disease.
Treatment
Sickle cell anemia treatment
Our specialists offer the most advanced treatment pediatric sickle cell anemia options.
Treatment
Medications, including pain-relievers and antibiotics, are used to reduce pain and prevent complications.
Blood transfusion. This is a routine medical procedure in which donated blood is used to replace blood that's been lost.
Fighting pediatric cancer and blood disorders
UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Center experts are national research leaders. We test new therapies and continue to work on therapies for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. For many children with rare or hard-to-treat conditions, clinical trials provide new options.
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.
Patient stories
Meet our patients
“It’s the greatest, most comforting feeling"
Shyniece Jackson trusts the UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Center experts to care for her daughter Kaliyah Nelson, who often was in pain because of sickle cell anemia.
Meet our team
An experienced team providing your child with the care they deserve
Your child’s care is our top priority and we understand the unique needs they have.
Your child’s team will include:
Child life specialists
Hematologists (blood disease doctors)
Nurse practitioners
Nurses and transfusion medicine specialists
Pain management specialists
Physical, occupational and speech therapists
Radiologists and radiation technologists
Social workers
Surgeons
Meet our team
Locations
Care for your child
UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Center hematologists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating all infants, children and adolescents with blood disorders, including sickle cell anemia.
At American Family Children’s Hospital, you will find a friendly, child-centered environment. Our hospital is designed with relaxing spaces and areas where children are encouraged to play.
Patient and support services
You’re never alone
There are services available at American Family Children’s Hospital and in the community to help patients and their families through every step of their journey.
Services offered at American Family Children's Hospital
There are services available at both American Family Children’s Hospital and in the community to help patients and their families through every step of their journey. The services we offer include:
Additional resources
Pediatric cancer services
With our expertise comes compassion. Our team considers you and your child part of our family. We will be by your side every step of the way. From diagnosis through treatment and into adulthood, we will care for your child as if they are our own.
Learn more