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Information for Families

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). Often, children are diagnosed with sickle cell disease following a routine newborn screening.

If your child is diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a specific course of treatment will be developed by your child's hematologist 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
your opinion or preference

For information about what to expect and how to care for your child with sickle cell disease from infancy through young adulthood, visit the links below:

Infants and Toddlers
Preschoolers
Elementary School Age
Teens

Understanding Sickle Cell Trait

This video is helpful for adults who have or may have the sickle cell trait. It illustrates the importance of knowing your sickle cell status when marrying or starting a family.

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Last Update
April 18, 2010

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