Anemia

Our service aids in the diagnosis and management of anemia. We offer consultation on the management of patients with congenital anemias, including sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis and Diamond-Blackfan anemia. We are a leading NIH-funded center for clinical trials on the natural history and management of pediatric sickle cell disease, including novel therapies such as Hydroxyurea. Chronic transfusion therapy and erythrocytopheresis are provided to selected patients.

Neutropenia

We evaluate and assist in the management of congenital and acquired causes of neutropenia, including benign neutropenia of childhood, congenital agranulocytosis and drug-induced neutropenia.

Thrombocytopenia

We evaluate and manage patients with ITP and other causes of thrombocytopenia.

Coagulation

Our staff will diagnose and aid in the care of patients with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease. Our comprehensive hemophilia program is a designated Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) supported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We also perform specialized evaluations of individuals predisposed to thrombosis.

Leukemia and lymphoma

We will diagnose and manage patients with acute and chronic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We are active participants in Children’s Oncology Group (COG) protocols for treatment of these malignancies.

Brain tumors and solid tumors

We assist in the management of patients with brain tumors, Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma and other solid tumors. Members of the division work closely with neurosurgeons, pediatric surgeons and pediatric radiation therapists at the School of Medicine to provide optimal multi-modality care for these patients. Our center also participates in trials of new phase I chemotherapeutic agents in patients with refractory malignancies.

Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit

The six-bed Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant unit is conveniently located adjacent to the The Hale Irwin Center for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. It is responsible for approximately 35 to 40 pediatric transplant procedures each year. The program admitted its first patient in September 1991, as the first children’s hospital to perform this procedure in Missouri. It offers state-of-the-art care for the children of this region and provides an environment conducive to clinical investigation with programs developing innovative therapies for malignant and genetic diseases. Our multidisciplinary team is designed to provide comprehensive, pediatric-specific care to our patients and families to address not only medical, but also emotional, social and spiritual needs. Our team of highly skilled nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, child life, chaplain and school liaison cover every aspect of the transplant experience. In addition, a group of specially trained volunteers provides respite for parents and social interaction for the children.

Patients eligible for transplantation include those with relapsed ALL, AML, relapsed or refractory lymphoma, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, SCIDS, solid tumors, sickle cell disease and lysosomal storage diseases.

For more detailed information regarding the BMT program, please visit the St. Louis Children’s Hospital website.