Pediatric Sickle Cell
The Pediatric Sickle Cell Program at UI Health was established to meet the unique needs of children with sickle cell disease.
Over the past decade, we have cared for children with this disease and seen them transition to happy, healthy adults. To achieve this milestone, children need to be monitored carefully. The purpose of our program is to make sure that children with this disease receive routine diagnostic testing and surveillance.
Our pediatric sickle cell program offers state-of-the-art comprehensive services to patients.
The sickle cell team consists of the following healthcare providers:
- Pediatric hematologists specializing in sickle cell disease
- Advanced practice nurse coordinator
- Community outreach nurse
- Social worker
- Health psychologist
- Hospital-based school teacher
- Community case manager nurse
Representatives from other disciplines, as needed.
Our Services
- Newborn screening
- Sickle cell clinic
- Transfusion clinic
- Community case management
- Inpatient care
- Coordination of services for surgical and dental procedures under anesthesia
- Transcranial Doppler screening for stroke risk
- Complex case management and individualized pain management for severe sickle cell disease
- Adolescent support group with Have A Heart for Sickle Cell Anemia
- Telephone consultation with healthcare providers in the region
- Referrals for travelers for sickle cell services in other cities
- STAR Clinic for transitional care
- Acute Care Center pain management for older teens
Other services are available for patients when needs are identified. These include, but are not limited to, asthma and other specialty services, social services, nutrition, health psychology and genetic counseling. Translation services available by audiovisual link for a wide array of languages (some staff speak Spanish).
Facilities
Outpatient Services
The Pediatric Clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the Outpatient Care Center. The Infusion Center - located in the Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic - is an outpatient service offered to pediatric patients who have intravenous (IV) care needs. The Infusion Center contains treatment areas that are equipped with a reclining lounge chair. TVs, books, and games are available to ensure patients have the best care experience possible.
Emergency Room
For emergencies during non-clinic hours, pediatric sickle cell patients may be seen in the Emergency Department at the UI Hospital.
Inpatient Services
Patients requiring hospitalization are admitted to the Children's Hospital University of Illinois (CHUI).
Research
Our program also is actively involved in developing new therapies, including clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. To learn more, please call 312.996.5680 or email Dr. Santosh Saraf.
