Blood Disorders

Our pediatric oncology and hematology specialists at Mary Bridge Children’s offer comprehensive treatment for children with a variety of blood disorders, such as hemophilia, anemia, sickle cell anemia and more.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition marked by low counts of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath and dizziness. In most cases, anemia results from an iron deficiency.

Treatment plans for anemia and other conditions with low blood counts may include:

• Dietary changes that can boost red blood cells to normal levels
• Iron infusions
• Consultation with pediatric gastroenterologists to develop a feeding or infusion plan if necessary
• Transfusion support and inpatient hospitalization for rare, severe cases

Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare type of anemia where blood cell production slows or stops due to bone marrow damage. Bone marrow is the spongy interior of bones that produces blood cells. Aplastic anemia can have severe or even fatal effects. Causes may include:

• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Chemical exposure
• Use of certain antibiotics
• Autoimmune disorders or viral infection

Treatments may include medications, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplantation. Coordinated through Seattle Children’s, bone marrow transplantation is a procedure that replaces defective blood-forming cells with normal ones.

Blood clots (thrombosis)

While blood clots are essential to stop bleeding, an overactive clotting system can also cause problems in the body. A large clot can block blood flow or break free and travel to other areas where it causes a blockage.

Blockages can have serious and even fatal complications. A blockage in the brain can cause a stroke, while a clot in a blood vessel in the lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism (a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the lungs). Symptoms of a blood clot may include swelling, pain and redness in the affected area.

Our hematologists provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for blood clots. We evaluate all treatment options for your child, including:

• Vascular surgery to break up a blood clot
• Thrombolysis, which is the process of dissolving blood clots with medication
• Long-term blood thinner treatment as necessary
• Monitoring for blood clot complications

Hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease

Hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease are inherited conditions where the body has trouble forming blood clots. Blood clots stop the body from bleeding, both on the surface as well as internally. Symptoms may include uncontrolled bleeding, frequent or severe nosebleeds and easy bruising.

While hemophilia affects boys more often than girls, Von Willebrand disease affects boys and girls equally. It is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and is typically milder than hemophilia. Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the main symptoms of Von Willebrand disease in those who menstruate.

Mary Bridge Children’s operates a hemophilia clinic in collaboration with the Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders, giving children with hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease access to advanced care without having to travel to Seattle. Learn more about treatment for these conditions at our hemophilia clinic.

Sickle cell anemia (also known as sickle cell disease)

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition where abnormally shaped red blood cells get stuck in blood vessels, preventing normal blood flow. Symptoms can include anemia, pain and repeat infections. In babies, the first symptom parents may notice is swollen hands and feet.

We offer comprehensive services for sickle cell anemia. A dedicated nurse case manager will ensure your child gets personalized care and the recommended tests and treatments. Our sickle cell anemia services include:

• Chronic transfusion therapy for children with complications
• Bone marrow transplant referrals and care coordination with Seattle Children’s
• Medication management for Hydrea (hydroxyurea) and other drugs
• Participation in research studies for new treatment options

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a rare inherited condition where the body does not produce enough red blood cells or oxygen-carrying hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Low hemoglobin and red blood cell counts can cause anemia, leading to symptoms like tiredness, weakness and pale skin.

Our hematologists care for children with severe thalassemia. We provide chronic transfusion support and coordinate referrals for bone marrow transplant with Seattle Children’s.