The diagnosis involves a combination of lab tests, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy procedures. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we provide detailed information about the specific type and stage of cancer or blood disorder your child is facing.
Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplantation, or targeted therapy, depending on the diagnosis.
The recommended plan is tailored to your child's specific condition, aiming to cure the disease, and improve quality of life. We will discuss the details and goals specific to your child's case.
Yes, there might be clinical trials available offering access to new therapies. We'll evaluate if your child is eligible and discuss the potential benefits and risks.
Side effects vary by treatment type and may include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and increased risk of infections. We'll provide detailed information and support for managing these side effects.
Our center offers nutritional support, pain management, psychological support, and educational resources. We'll connect you with support groups and other resources for families.
Treatment costs vary depending on the disease and the treatment. We'll provide an estimate and information on insurance coverage and financial aid programs that may help cover expenses.
We recommend avoiding crowded places, practicing good hygiene, and possibly administering preventive antibiotics. We'll guide you on specific precautions to take based on your child's treatment plan.
The duration of treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease. It can range from several months to a few years. We'll outline a more specific timeline for your child's treatment plan.
Blood transfusions are generally safe and are a common treatment for the anemia associated with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. However, there are some risks, including:
Allergic reactions: These are usually mild and can be treated with medication.
Infections: The risk of contracting infections such as HIV or hepatitis through transfusion is extremely low due to rigorous testing of blood products. However, it's not zero.
Iron overload: Frequent blood transfusions can lead to an excess of iron in the body, which can damage organs. This risk is managed by using iron chelation therapy, which removes excess iron from the body.
Alloimmunization: This occurs when the body's immune system reacts against the transfused blood. It's more common in patients who receive many transfusions. To minimize this risk, blood is matched as closely as possible to the recipient's blood type and sometimes, additional screening is done to match other blood characteristics.
To manage these risks, we follow strict guidelines for blood transfusion, including careful matching of blood types and treating any side effects that occur.
Ensuring the safety and compatibility of the blood you receive involves several steps:
Blood Type Matching: The most basic step is to match your ABO and Rh blood types with the donated blood. This prevents immediate reactions to the transfusion.
Crossmatching: Before a transfusion, a sample of your blood will be mixed with a sample of the donor blood in the lab to check for any adverse reactions, ensuring compatibility.
Screening for Infectious Diseases: All donated blood undergoes rigorous testing for infectious agents like HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and others to minimize the risk of transmission.
Leukoreduction: Blood products are often treated to reduce the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) which can cause febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions and affect immune response.