Hematology



Hematology

The mission of the Department of Hematology is to provide outstanding clinical care, perform innovative research, and promote education with a long-term goal of improving the lives of, and ultimately curing, children with catastrophic non-malignant hematological diseases.   The Department of Hematology has extensive programs in the areas of sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure, hemophilia, clotting disorders, hemolytic anemia, histolytic disorders and thrombocytopenia.


Sickle Cell Disease

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has one of the largest and most active Sickle Cell Disease Programs in the nation. St. Jude treats approximately 800 children with sickle cell disease per year. Our program has several components including;

  • A Newborn Screening and Case Management Program
  • Age-Specific Clinics: Infant-Toddler, School-Age, and Teen Clinics
  • A Stroke Screening Program utilizing Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound exams
  • A Transfusion / Erythrocytapheresis Program
  • Education and counseling programs for all patients with sickle cell disease and their families
  • A summer enrichment camp
  • Success Through Academics, Resources and Research (STARR) Program - Academic Support and Resources Program
  • Social work and child life services

The Department of Hematology has numerous active research studies for children with sickle cell disease. Our protocols include clinical trials involving hydroxyurea along with other anti-sickling agents. Other studies include the effects of iron overload from chronic transfusion and the development of gene therapy for hemoglobin disorders. In addition, our Center has a strong program for evaluating and treating central nervous system complications, including stroke.  The Department also interacts closely with the Division of Bone Marrow Transplant to improve the success of stem cell transplantation; at present the only known cure for sickle cell disease.


Bone Marrow Failure / Thalassemia Clinic

The Bone Marrow Failure Clinic directs the care of children with conditions such as chronic neutropenia, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria,, acquired and Fanconi aplastic anemia, Diamond Blackfan and other anemias and thrombocytopenias resulting from non-malignant bone marrow dysfunction. The clinic staff interacts closely with the Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation when transplant therapy is necessary.

This clinic also provides care for patients with thalassemia intermediate and major.  The clinic provides access to transfusion services, comprehensive screening tests for iron status, chelation therapy and management of complications of chronic transfusion and iron overload.


Hemophilia / Bleeding Disorders / Thrombophilia Clinic

St. Jude offers a weekly Hemophilia / Bleeding Disorders/Thrombophilia Clinic. This clinic treats children with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, and also treats children with recognizable clotting disorders.


Overall, the Department of Hematology is characterized by a large number of patients with a wide variety of catastrophic non-malignant hematological conditions. The staff is extremely well-trained and has a strong commitment to providing optimal medical and supportive care and is highly productive with clinical and translational research in support of the St. Jude mission.

Russell Ware, MD, PhD, chairs the Department of Hematology.


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