Anemia

Normally, red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your child’s body using a protein called hemoglobin. If there aren’t enough of these cells or this special protein, a condition called anemia results. In some cases, anemia is temporary and caused by a nutritional deficiency or blood loss. In other cases, it’s the result of a chronic or inherited condition. Severe anemia can be life-threatening.

There are many different potential causes of anemia, including nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune problems, genetic disorders, cancers and other diseases.

• Anemia is one of the most common pediatric disorders.
• Anemia can result from blood loss, abnormal red cell production or abnormal red cell destruction.
• Certain genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, can cause anemia.
• Anemia can also be caused by other serious conditions, such as leukemia.
• In many cases, treating the underlying disorder is the best way to treat anemia.

How Children’s Hospital Boston approaches anemia

Children with anemia and other red blood cells disorders are treated through our Anemia and Red Blood Cell Disorders Program.

Our program is led by Matthew Heeney, MD, an expert in pediatric hematology, who specializes in sickle cell disease and inherited disorders of iron deficiency, sideroblastic anemia and iron overload.

Our program brings together experienced pediatric subspecialists and support staff from Children’s, including:

• pediatric hematologist oncologists
• pediatric hematopathologists
• pediatric hematology nurse practitioners and physician assistants
• social workers
• designated hematology patient coordinators

Reviewed by Matthew Heeney, MD,
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2010