Sickle Cell Disease Services at Mission Children's Hospital
Mission Children’s Hospital serves the region as a designated referral center for the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program. Our blood disorders team offers specialized training, pediatric experience, and advanced treatment techniques to help the children in our region overcome sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell services at Mission Children’s Hospital require a physician’s referral. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 828-213-9770.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders that affects the hemoglobin within the red blood cells. Hemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Normal red blood cells are soft and round which allows them to be flexible and flow easily through small blood vessels. People with sickle cell disease have sickled hemoglobin (Hemoglobin S) which causes red blood cells to change from their normal disc shape into a half moon or sickle shape. These changes make it hard for the cells to flow easily. These sickled red blood cells can block small blood vessels causing complications such as pain, organ damage, anemia, or stroke.
Our Patients
Since it is inherited from parents and present at birth, sickle cell disease is usually recognized early because it is included in routine newborn screening. It is important to identify sickle cell disease as early as possible in order to reduce the risk of life threatening infections.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease
The symptoms vary depending on each child and the severity of the disease, but may include:
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Sickle Cell Crisis
When sickle cells accumulate in the blood vessels, they may cause a painful episode or crisis. A sickle cell crisis may start suddenly, last for any length of time and be mild or severe. You may reduce the risk of a crisis by following these steps:
- Drink plenty of water
- Decrease physical or emotional stress
- Try to avoid quick changes in temperature
- Avoid high altitudes
- Keep physical activity moderate
Types of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell diseases differ depending on the genes inherited and whether sickle cells are found together with other red blood cell abnormalities. Some of the most common types are called:
- Sickle Cell Anemia (Also known as Hb SS or Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease)
- Sickle Hemoglobin C Disease (Also known as Hb SC Disease)
- Sickle Beta Thalassemia Disease (Sickle Beta Plus Thalassemia and Sickle Beta Zero Thalassemia Disease)
Our Services
Mission Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive services for all types of sickle cell disease using a multidisciplinary team and through coordination with the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program. We focus on medical treatment, as well as education for our young patients, their families and the community.
- Health promotion – penicillin prophylaxis, transcranial doppler studies, echocardiograms
- Hydroxyurea management
- Pain management
- Blood transfusions
- Education and counseling services
- Community resource center
- Child-centered activities to improve quality of life
North Carolina State Sickle Cell Program
Mission Children’s Hospital developed its pediatric and adolescent blood disorders program in 1999 after receiving a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. Recognized as a Region I referral center for the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program, we serve 24 counties in Western North Carolina. The program’s goal is to provide quality care and services through the state’s system of Regional Sickle Cell Educator/Counselors, comprehensive medical centers and community-based organizations.
Our Team
Our team members represent diverse specialties with pediatric experience and knowledge of sickle cell diseases. Working together, and as partners with our patients and their families, we treat sickle cell diseases and promote a level of wellness that supports the best quality of life possible as our patients develop and grow. Our team includes:
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Our Physicians:
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| Orren Beaty, MD | Krystal Bottom, MD | Douglas Scothorn, MD |
Referral and Contact Information
Pediatric cancer care at Mission Children’s Hospital requires a physician’s referral. If you have any concerns about your child’s health, please consult your primary care provider.
Referrals are usually completed through a phone conversation between your primary care physician and an oncologist. Referrals may be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 828-213-9770.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 828-213-9770.
Locations:
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Zeis Children’s Cancer Center
11 Vanderbilt Park Dr.
Asheville, NC 28803
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