Pediatric Hematology

Pediatric hematology describes the medical discipline of diagnosing and treating infants, children and adolescents with blood disorders. This discipline is usually integrated with the field of pediatric oncology as the physician will be named a pediatric hematologist oncologist.

A pediatric hematologist oncologist treats a wide range of conditions that includes cancer, medical disorders that affect bleeding, blood cell diseases and disorders of the vascular system. Pediatric hematologists may also examine laboratory specimens as part of the diagnosing and treating process.

Pediatric Hematology Video

Among the blood disorders a pediatric hematologist will treat are the different kinds of anemia, hemolysisA rupturing of red blood cells and the release of their contents (hemoglobin) into surrounding fluid. (Source: Wikipedia), hemophiliaA group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair the body's ability to control blood clotting or coagulation processes (Source: Wikipedia)., low white blood cell count (congenital or acquired condition), cancer of the blood, blood clotting issues, bone marrow diseases and conductions and special blood tests, examinations and treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment is important in this field, as physicians want to be able to intervene early in order to address blood conditions before complications develop.

A regular hematologist studies the blood and tissues which form our blood and can work in a variety of environments, including blood banks, pathology laboratories, and private clinics. After completing a pediatric residency, the doctor must complete another 3 year residency in pediatric hematology oncology then taking an examination for a certification.

As children's blood responds differently than adult's blood, this requires different treatments and medication. A pediatric hematologist is educated and trained to meet the unique needs of the young patients. Prevention of blood disorders is an important part of this discipline and includes genetic testing of parents with blood diseases and prescribing prevention supplements and medications.

Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation

As part of this pediatric discipline, a pediatric hematologist oncologist also deals with bone marrow transplantation procedures (also referred to as 'stem cell transplantation' as the bone marrow tissue contains the immature cells, called stem cells). A pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure in which blood and bone marrow is transplanted into a pediatric patient.

As these blood cells are vital for different functions such as fighting diseases, preventing bleeds, getting oxygen and nourishment to cells throughout the body and more, if a childes cells aren't healthy, a transplant is considered. There are many pediatric conditions that can require a BMT procedure including leukemia,  aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition where bone marrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replenish blood cells (Source: Wikipedia).,ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, lymphomas, brain tumors, thalassemiaAn inherited blood disease that results in reduced rate of synthesis or no synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. This can cause the formation of abnormal hemoglobin molecules, thus causing anemia (Source: Wikipedia). and many more different complicated blood related diseases.

Once a donor is found, the child will begin preparing about a week before the procedure. Conditioning includes elimination of the diseased tissue with the use of chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments. The healthy marrow will be transplanted into the child's blood stream through a central venous catheter. About 3-4 weeks later, the donated marrow should begin producing new blood cells.

Here is more information about Bone Morrow Transplantation.

Pediatric Hematology Treatments

As blood diseases are extremely difficult in children, a pediatric hematologist oncologist will try to ensure that children are as comfortable as possible during examinations, tests, and procedures. This will include both the doctor's attitude and surrounding environment of the office or hospital ward.

Pediatric hematology treatments aren't an easy process for the child or family to go through. Ticketmed is affiliated with top hematology- oncology pediatric clinics that provide children with the best possible care and environment available. If you are interested in exploring this possibility for your child, please contact us.