This information is intended to provide a general overview of Childhood Haematology Disorders. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.
Haematology (the study of blood) is the medical speciality focused on the cells, proteins, and other materials that constitute blood, as well as the diagnosis and management of blood-related diseases and abnormalities.
Blood is composed of various essential components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, proteins, and plasma. Disorders can affect any of these parts. Some childhood haematology disorders may be secondary to cancer or its treatments. At SSCHRC, we manage a comprehensive range of paediatric haematology disorders, including:
The bone marrow, the material inside bones, is responsible for producing blood cells. In these disorders, the marrow fails to produce enough of a specific type of blood cell. Examples include:
Characterised by an insufficient number of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Some types of anaemia are a result of bone marrow failure. While cancer patients with sickle cell anaemia are treated at SSCHRC, we generally do not manage patients whose primary diagnosis is sickle cell anaemia.
A reduction in white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infection, leaving the patient vulnerable to frequent or serious infections.
A decreased number of platelets, the cells vital for blood clot formation. This condition increases the risk of excessive bruising or bleeding.
These disorders involve a problem with the production or structure of haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that binds with oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The overproduction of red blood cells, which can potentially lead to blood clots and other complications (the opposite of anaemia).
Conditions where there is an excessive number of a specific group of white blood cells known as histiocytes. This can result in organ damage or tumour formation.
A condition where the body accumulates too much iron, which may occur naturally or be caused by repeated blood transfusions.
Some haematology disorders are hereditary and can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counselling may be appropriate for you to understand the risk to your family.
The clinical presentation of childhood haematology disorders varies depending on the exact condition. Common symptoms associated with these conditions include:
A standard Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is often the initial diagnostic step, as it can reveal abnormalities such as low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. However, each blood disorder requires specific diagnostic tests to provide a detailed and accurate diagnosis.
May be employed to diagnose blood clotting problems.
A critical procedure for evaluating issues with blood cell production. During this test, a needle, typically inserted into the hip bone, is used to withdraw a small sample of the liquid bone marrow for detailed microscopic examination for various disorders.
Treatment for these disorders is highly dependent on the patient's specific diagnosis. Nevertheless, several key therapies are widely employed:
Administered to patients with iron overload, using medication to remove excess iron from the blood.
Also known as blood thinners, these are prescribed for patients with conditions involving excessive clotting.
Platelet stimulants given to patients with thrombocytopenia to encourage platelet production.
A blood product containing antibodies from blood donors, which is used to treat certain types of thrombocytopenia.
These involve injecting cellular material into a patient, such as blood transfusions and cell growth factors, and are used to treat many haematology disorders.
Employed in the treatment of histiocytic disorders.
A procedure involving giving patients stem cells harvested from the bone marrow of another person, often a close relative. This treatment may be an option for patients with bone marrow failure disorders and some haemoglobinopathies. This is a serious, intensive procedure, often reserved for cases where other therapies have not been successful.
At SSCHRC, a team of experts customises a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. Our care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including renowned haematologists who care for both paediatric patients whose blood disorders are caused by cancer or its treatments, and those who require expert care for benign blood conditions.