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
What is sickle cell disease?
What causes sickle cell disease?
Which children are at risk for sickle cell disease?
What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?
How is sickle cell disease diagnosed?
What are the treatments for sickle cell disease?
What are the possible complications of sickle cell disease?
How can I help my child live with sickle cell disease?
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
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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.
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![150 Years Stronger Patient Story Demier](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/foundation-site/150th-landing/images/150-stories/demier-2_resized.jpg?h=430&iar=0&w=675)
Transplant Lets Demier Be a Kid
Demier was born with sickle cell disease and received a stem cell transplant from Allistair Abraham, M.D., when he was 3. He is now fully recovered and able to do things he couldn't do before such as, playing football, running and swimming in the pool.
![150 Years Stronger Patient Story Demier](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/foundation-site/150th-landing/images/150-stories/demier-2_resized.jpg?h=430&iar=0&w=675)
![Kendric, a 12-year-old boy from the Washington, D.C., area, is the first patient in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a gene therapy that may cure his condition](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/images/departments/sickle-cell/kendric.jpeg?h=4032&iar=0&w=3024)
First Ever Sickle Cell Gene Therapy
On May 6, 2024, at Children's National, 12 year-old Kendric received the world's first gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease. Approved in December 2023 by the FDA, these treatments are created by collecting and editing the patient's own blood cells and reintroducing them to the body. (The New York Times, account required)
![Kendric, a 12-year-old boy from the Washington, D.C., area, is the first patient in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a gene therapy that may cure his condition](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/images/departments/sickle-cell/kendric.jpeg?h=4032&iar=0&w=3024)
Meet the Providers Who Treat Sickle Cell Disease
- Paul's Story
Almost 18 years ago, Audrey and Paul Sr. were living in Maryland awaiting their son's arrival into the world. In preparation, they did all the research that expecting parents do, including looking for the best pediatrician and comparing car seats. In addition to this routine research, they also looked for the best sickle cell disease programs within the area. Since both of his parents had sickle cell trait, there was a one in four chance that their son would have sickle cell disease.
Departments that Treat Sickle Cell Disease
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Blood Disorders (Hematology)
From sickle cell disease to histiocyte disorders, Children's National delivers expert care for any blood disorder diagnosis.
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Blood Donor Center
The Blood Donor Center collects thousands of blood donations every year and provides essential services for Children's National Hospital patients.
![Young girl smiling in hallway](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/kids/blood-and-marrow-transplant_hero-image.jpg)
Blood and Marrow Transplant
Our blood and bone marrow disease experts provide advanced transplant procedures for children and teenagers.