Bone Marrow Transplantation

The Bone Marrow Failure Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s provides highly sophisticated and comprehensive multidisciplinary care for children with bone marrow failure syndromes.
Bone marrow failure happens when your bone marrow no longer makes enough blood cells. It can be caused by something that happens to you during your lifetime (such as chemotherapy or an infection) or you can be born with it. A variety of inherited diseases cause bone marrow failure.

Thorough Evaluation, Detailed Treatment Plan

Families usually come to the Bone Marrow Failure Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s to establish a diagnosis or receive a second opinion. First, our team offers a comprehensive evaluation that typically lasts two to four days. Next, we provide treatment recommendations. Before the evaluation, the team reviews test results and other materials provided by the referring doctor. Our evaluation includes:

• A thorough history and physical examination
• Blood tests
• Other tests to assess how the disease is affecting the child’s body
• If needed, additional consultations with specialists at Cincinnati Children’s
• An appointment with a social worker who helps families connect with helpful resources

In addition, we encourage families to consult with genetic counselors at Cincinnati Children’s. These counselors can talk with families about the results of genetic tests. Genetic tests are used to help confirm diagnoses and refine the treatment plan. Our team helps schedule these consultations.

Making a Plan for the Future

After reviewing the results of the evaluation, and before the family returns home, members of the care team talk with the family about the child’s health and treatment options. The team also provides a written summary and treatment recommendations to the patient’s family and referring doctor.

Innovative Therapy for Bone Marrow Failure

We offer a broad range of therapies, including some innovative approaches not available at other children’s hospitals. Our multidisciplinary team of experts offers exceptional care.

Among the many treatment options are:

• Novel medications
• Blood transfusions
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Ongoing Care

Children can receive ongoing care at Cincinnati Children’s on an inpatient or outpatient basis, or return home to the care of their referring doctor. Our team is always available to consult with families and their doctors. We see patients once a year to assess their progress and make additional treatment recommendations, if necessary.