Sickle cell disease is a condition that causes problems with red blood cells — instead of round discs, they look like crescent moons or sickles. It’s a genetic condition (can be passed from parent to child) so we often see new or expecting parents. Some sickle cell treatments can begin early — even while your baby is still in the womb. Our hematology experts and care teams in the Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders work together to address the needs of your child and family as you learn to manage sickle cell. We give your child a medical home for preventive care, and coordinate the specialists you need each step of the way. 

Learn More About Sickle Cell Disease 

Sickle cell treatment depends on your child’s age, sickle cell type and symptoms. We offer a variety of diagnostic and medical services, which vary depending on your location, including:

• blood and bone marrow transplants (also called “stem cell transplants”)
• cardiology by pediatric experts in diagnostic and preventive heart care
• fetal diagnostic testing in our perinatology and fetal medicine centers may diagnose sickle cell during pregnancy
• genetic counseling can help with diagnosis and family planning
• medical imaging (radiology) tests like a CT scan, MRI or X-ray
• hydroxyurea therapy, which may be started while your baby is still in the womb 
• nutrition plans from specially trained registered dietitians 
• orthopedic experts monitor your child’s joints 
• pain management to address sickle cell pain crises, post-surgery or chronic pain
• pulmonologists treat infections and check for swelling in the lungs
• surgery by our board-certified pediatric general surgeons to remove the gallbladder or spleen
• transfusion services and testing including red blood cell exchange transfusion 
• transition of care when it’s time for adult care and services

Our internationally recognized Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (or “NCCBD”) offers children hematology care for sickle cell disease with a focus on improving outcomes and providing state-of-the-art therapies. To help give kids the best possible care, we also offer: 

• blood and bone marrow transplant programs accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapies (FACT)
• customized treatment plans based on research and commonly accepted best care practices in pediatrics
• world-class facilities featuring the most advanced diagnostic techniques and equipment in a family-friendly setting
• school outreach and advocacy including help with community resources
• CyberCell: A Sickle Cell Virtual Reality Experience. Our team in Delaware Valley is working on an experience for patients that helps them travel inside of your own body. This allows patients and families to see how sickle cell affects your body and how our team is taking efforts to improve your patient experience. Learn More

COBRE Grant 

Our sickle cell program is committed to changing the lives of patients through the use of research, education, and creating access opportunities for all. The program has been awarded a five-year grant extension to deliver on those commitments by The Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) of the National Institute of Health. This extension allows our Delaware Comprehensive Sickle Cell Research Program at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware to continue the incredible research work we've been doing through this grant over the previous 5 years.

Regional Sickle Cell Disease Highlights

Services, programs, facilities and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.