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?
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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.
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.
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)
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
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.