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Sickle Cell Disease

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  • Adult Sickle Cell Clinic

    Patients and providers can consult with Smilow Cancer Hospital hematologist 24/7
    Phone icon 203-200-4363

Overview

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited disease of the red blood cells. It is characterized by painful episodes, lower resistance to infections, organ damage, anemia, joint degeneration, strokes and other health problems. SCD typically occurs when a child inherits an abnormal hemoglobin gene from each parent.

Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) occurs when a child inherits one normal hemoglobin gene from one parent and one abnormal hemoglobin gene from the other parent. The individual is a carrier of the sickle cell gene. People with SCT generally are well, but their children might have the disease (SCD) if the other parent also has SCT.

Sickle cell disease is most prevalent in African-American and Latino populations. The disease/trait is found among people whose ancestors came from Africa, Greece, Italy, Arabia, India, Asia and the Caribbean.

Adult Sickle Cell Program

Comprehensive services are provided for adult sickle cell patients in the hematology clinic at Smilow Cancer Hospital, North Pavilion, 7th floor.

Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

  • Prescriptions and counseling for pain management
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Transfusions
  • Attention to kidney problems, iron overload, infectious diseases
  • Referral for regular specialized eye care

Primary Care

  • Vaccinations
  • Family planning counseling
  • Blood pressure
  • Referral for dental care
  • Occasional illnesses

Care for Behavioral Health

  • Psychiatric evaluation
  • Screening for depression and anxiety
  • Medication management and counseling

Social, Emotional and Spiritual Care

  • Referral for Medicaid/Medicare and other benefits
  • Coordination of job rehabilitation and educational programs
  • Referral for transportation and housing assistance
  • Evaluation and referral  for treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues
  • Spiritual care and support
  • Home visits for patients and families
  • Counseling and referrals addressing family issues

Yale New Haven Hospital also supports community engagement and collaboration with the Connecticut Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA).

Pediatric Sickle Cell Program

Our Pediatric Sickle Cell Program through Smilow Cancer Hospital is comprised of a team of experts focused on the care of pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Infants, children and adolescents with pediatric sickle cell diseases are treated by a multidisciplinary team of board-certified pediatric hematologists, advanced practice providers, psychologists, pediatric pain specialists and social workers.

Learn more about the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program

Patient Resources

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Clinical Trials

Through Yale Medicine, we offer clinical trials, offering access to the world’s most advanced therapies.
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Donate Marrow - NMDP

Over the past 35 years NMDP has managed the most diverse marrow registry in the world. We work every day to save lives through transplant.
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Emergency Department Wait Times

Emergency medical care for children and adults is available 24/7 at each of our Emergency Departments.
Wright Siblings: Sickle Cell Disease

Wright Siblings: Sickle Cell Disease

When Sharee Edmonds learned that three of her children had sickle cell disease, she prayed for a miracle that would cure them. That miracle came when her daughter Unity, now 17, was born. In an incredibly rare occurrence, her bone marrow was a perfect match for all three of her siblings.

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Yale School of Medicine

Yale New Haven Health is proud to be affiliated with the prestigious Yale University and its highly ranked Yale School of Medicine.