Skip to main content

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

Appointments

Our team is standing by to schedule your child’s appointment.

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?

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.

Girl Smiling and Clapping

Help Kids and Make a Difference

Invest in future cures for some of life's most devastating diseases. Give today to help more children grow up stronger.

Girl Smiling and Clapping
150 Years Stronger Patient Story Demier

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
 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

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

Meet the Providers Who Treat Sickle Cell Disease

Patient Stories

  • Demier's Story

    Demier, born with sickle cell disease, received a cure – a stem cell transplant. "He's had a second chance at life," his mom says. "He does things he could never do before, playing football with his friends, running, going to the pool. Thanks to Children's National Hospital, he's a regular, active and happy kid."

Departments that Treat Sickle Cell Disease

    Provider examining young patient

    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.