Condition
Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease
Key points about sickle cell disease
- Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body).
- Sickle cell (HbSS) is a genetic disease. A person will be born with sickle cell disease only if two HbS genes are inherited—one from the mother and one from the father.
- Sickle cell disease primarily affects those of African descent and Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry, but the trait has also been found in those with Middle Eastern, Indian, Latin American, American Indian and Mediterranean heritage.
- Symptoms may include anemia, pain crisis or sickle crisis, acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration (pooling), stroke, jaundice and priapism.
- Specific treatment for sickle cell disease and its complications will be determined by your child's doctor based on:
- Your child's age, overall health and medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sickle Cell Disease Treatment at Children's National Hospital
From dedicated pain clinics for older children to specialized infant sickle cell care, Children’s National delivers care and support to provide a sense of well-being and normalcy to children with sickle cell disease and their families. Discover more about the treatments we offer.

Providers Who Treat Sickle Cell Disease
Departments that Treat Sickle Cell Disease

Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program
The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program at Children�s National is among the largest and most comprehensive pediatric sickle cell disease programs in the country.

Bone Health Program
Orthopaedists at Children�s National offer world-renowned expertise and life-changing care, including surgery, for children at high risk for bone fracture.

Pediatric Pain Medicine
The Children's National Pediatric Pain Medicine Program is one of only a few in the country focused exclusively on managing pain for infants, children and teens. When children are unable to express their pain in words, our pediatric specialists have the unique insight to help.