Overview
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, the protein that gives red blood cells their red color and carries oxygen to the tissues. With sickle cell anemia, the abnormal hemoglobin makes the usually round red blood cells rigid and distorted into sickle, or crescent, shapes. At times, these stiff, crescent-shaped red blood cells can plug up small blood vessels and decrease blood flow to various parts of the body. This leads to anemia, unpredictable pain episodes, and sometimes, other serious medical complications. The experts at the Cincinnati Children's Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center provide care for all the routine problems and complications of sickle cell disease. In partnership with families and the community, we try to maximize the growth and development of each patient.
Our Mission
Through medical treatment, psychological evaluation, social services, education, counseling, research and working collaboratively with families, we are dedicated to prolonging and improving the lives of our patients.
Our History
Dr. Marilyn Gaston, the Sickle Cell Awareness Group, concerned parents and hospital administration established the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center (CSCC) at Cincinnati Children's in 1971. The center created one of the first newborn screening programs for sickle cell in the United States. Doctors at Cincinnati Children's performed the first bone marrow transplant to cure sickle cell disease. To prevent the complication of acute chest syndrome, researchers at Cincinnati Children's developed incentive spirometry, which is the standard of care across the country. The CSCC provides important leadership in the National Sickle Cell Disease Program and plays a significant role in advancing sickle cell disease research and patient care.
Funded by a major grant from the National Institutes of Health, as well as grants from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the Ohio Department of Health, the Sickle Cell Center carries out various education and counseling programs for affected families and the community.
Community Partnerships
We are committed to community outreach that includes training programs for:
- Teachers
- Community groups
- Health care providers
- Genetic counselors
- Health department personnel
- Medical, nursing and social work students
We also work closely with parents, advocacy groups and community-based organizations such as the Sickle Cell Awareness Group and Sickle Cell Parent and Family Network.
Sickle Cell Center Leaders
Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia Director Clinton Joiner, MD, PhD, and Clinical Director Karen Kalinyak, MD, are physicians in the Hematology / Oncology Division at Cincinnati Children's. Zahid Yasin, MD, oversees the University of Cincinnati Hospital adult program, as well as the transition of patients from the pediatric service.
Contact Us
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, MLC 2022
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039
Phone: 513-636-4541
1-800-344-2462, ext. 4541
Fax: 513-636-5562
Email: blood@cchmc.org
