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The diagnosis of a blood disorder may feel like an uphill battle for you and your child. We’re here to help guide you on this path. With the latest research, participation in clinical trials, and comprehensive treatment services, we offer the region’s top blood disorder care. We’ll support your child and your whole family with patient-centered care throughout this journey.
UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital focuses on making your child whole again.
Hematology conditions we treat
There are many different types of blood disorders, some of which are lifelong illnesses. Treatments are often unique, based on the patient and the type of disease. Care plans focus on treating symptoms and on teaching patients how to live with a lifelong condition. Our hematology team is skilled in identifying and delivering the best treatment options to meet your child’s unique needs.
This condition occurs when your child does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. It can often be a symptom of other illnesses somewhere else in the body.
Hemoglobinopathies are a family of inherited blood disorders that cause abnormal production of hemoglobin molecules—the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Thalassemia occurs when your child makes hemoglobin differently and has less hemoglobin than normal.
Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a hemoglobinopathy caused by abnormally shaped red blood cells that cannot carry oxygen as well as normal cells and that can get stuck in blood vessels, leading to pain and other issues.
Several blood disorders cause abnormal clotting of the blood. Some conditions, like hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease, prevent blood from clotting, leading to excessive bleeding and bruising.
Some inherited diseases can prevent your child’s bone marrow from producing one or more types of blood cells in adequate quantities. Other times these problems can develop later in life, causing anemia.
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, help your child fight infections. Having too many leukocytes (leukocytosis) or too few (leukopenia) can lead to problems, such as inflammation or difficulty fighting infections.
These growths, made up of blood vessels, are often present at birth. Many are cosmetic and visible on the skin but do not harm your child’s health, but some may cause problems. Some examples of malformations include venous malformations and lymphatic malformations.
Newborns can experience problems with their red blood cells, including hemolytic disease of the newborn and anemia. One possible cause of these illnesses is the Rh factor, a protein on the surface of blood cells.
Treatments and services
Treatment for blood disorders varies by disease, age of your child, and symptoms. Because each child is unique, our team meets with you to discuss specific needs, family dynamics, long-term goals, and the emotional aspects of the diagnosis. Our team develops the best treatment services specific to your child.
To diagnose your child’s illness, your care team may conduct a wide variety of blood tests, including clotting tests or bone marrow aspiration. The team may also recommend specialized imaging in collaboration with radiology.
Depending on your family history, your child’s care team may screen for inherited conditions such as hemophilia. We work closely with the region's best pediatric surgery teams, including pediatric anesthesiology, to conduct biopsies of lymph nodes, bone marrow, or other affected tissue to provide an improved diagnosis.
There are a number of highly effective treatments for the symptoms of sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. Some patients have been successfully treated with blood and bone marrow transplants.
Many blood diseases require medication treatments. The hematology program has a specialty pharmacy to serve patients with unique medication needs, such as patients diagnosed with hemophilia. Some disorders, including sickle cell disease or anemia, can be treated with chemotherapy-like medicines. Sometimes a patient will need ongoing medication therapy. The treatment team can recommend placement of a long-term IV access so medicine can be given more easily over time.
Treatments for blood disorders can often be long. Specialists can work with patients to manage chronic pain and provide comfort. UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital has a Ronald McDonald House on site for families receiving longer-term treatment. A school in the hospital gives your child the chance to attend class. As treatment wraps up and your child prepares to re-enter school, we set up a videoconference with your child’s classroom to help ease the transition back to school.
Why choose UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital?
When you and your child face a complex diagnosis, knowing where to go for treatment should be clear. At UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, we bring together the region’s top doctors and specialists to deliver comprehensive care in an environment that supports your child at every step.
Resources for you
Learn how Kinzie took control of her hemophilia
We know learning to manage hemophilia can be a big step for children. Learn how Kinzie was able to take control of her von Willebrand disease with the help of her care team.
Health library
Understanding your child’s health is important. The UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital health library helps to answer some of the questions you have about health care.
Related Services
Care Team
Hematologist-Oncologist
Certified Genetic Counselor
Specialty Pharmacist
Other Team Members
Social Workers:
- Sarah Lawson, LMSW
- Abigail Yoder, LMSW
Licensed Genetic Counselor:
- Georgianne Younger, MS, CGC