Overview
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
Easily tired
Anemia
Episodes of pain
Painful swelling in hands and feet
Frequent infections
Delayed growth
Vision problems
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
UW Health Kids specialists offer the most advanced treatment options.
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.
UW Health Kids cancer and blood disorder 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.
Patient stories
Shyniece Jackson trusts the UW Health Kids experts to care for her daughter Kaliyah Nelson, who often was in pain because of sickle cell anemia.
Meet our team
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
Locations
UW Health Kids 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
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.
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:
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.
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