Benign Pediatric Hematology Program
The benign pediatric hematology program at City of Hope provides care to children, adolescents and young adults with inherited coagulation disorders such as hemophilia and red blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia. We are a regional referral center for these disorders and provide support to hospitals and physicians in the area, nationally and internationally.
Hemophilia and sickle cell programs
Our hemophilia and sickle cell programs have earned Center of Excellence designations from California Children’s Services, and we are one of approximately 145 federally funded comprehensive hemophilia treatment centers in the U.S.
We bring together a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and other health professionals experienced in treating children with inherited coagulation disorders and red blood cell disorders. We provide comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults with:
- Hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease
- Platelet abnormalities, including ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), other thrombocytopenias and platelet dysfunction
- Disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis
- Red blood cell abnormalities, including sickle cell anemia and iron deficiency
- Nonmalignant hematologic disorders
- Bone marrow and neutrophil disorders, including aplastic anemia, storage diseases and neutropenia
Our physicians are leading research to find better treatments for patients with inherited blood disorders. For more information on our pediatric hematology research, including ongoing clinical trials, visit City of Hope’s Clinical Trials Online website.
Hemophilia
For patients with hemophilia and other inherited coagulation disorders, we provide consultations to hematologists and oncologists, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, dentists and ob/gyns. Our areas of expertise include:
- Inhibitors in hemophilia A and B
- Risk factors for and prevention of inhibitor formation
- Early diagnosis of inhibitors
- Treatment of bleeding in patients with inhibitors
- Prophylaxis to prevent bleeding and preserve joint health
- Inhibitor eradication using ITI (immune tolerance induction)
Sickle cell disease
For patients with sickle cell disease and other red blood cell disorders, our emphasis is on preventing disease-related and treatment-related complications. We work to ensure that pain is adequately managed so that patients can maintain a good quality of life. We also work closely with the City of Hope zHematopoietic Cell Transplantation Program when needed.
Genetic testing
Given the hereditary nature of these conditions, we offer genetic testing, including carrier testing and counseling. We meet with the family after diagnosis to discuss the chances of having other children with a blood disorder, and we educate children in an age appropriate manner.
Hemophilia and sickle cell care team
- Julie DiMundo, D.O.
- Jeanelle Folbrecht, Ph.D.
- Natalie Kelly, Ph.D.
- Lisa Pullens, R.N., B.S.N.
Living with hemophilia and sickle cell disease
Our program offers both outstanding medical treatment and supportive care to young patients and their family members. Our medical team collaborates to develop an effective treatment plan, while professionals in nursing, psychology, social work, physical, occupational and recreational therapy, and school reintegration specialists provide individual attention and group activities for patients and their families.