Sickle Cell Disease

At Montefiore Einstein Hematology (Blood Disorders), you can access exceptional care for sickle cell disease. As the first Sickle Cell Center and Sickle Cell Research Laboratory in the U.S. and the second largest in the country, Montefiore Einstein has been at the forefront of innovation, research and advancing care for sickle cell disease for over 70 years. We are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases.

Our team of world-renowned hematologists are passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes. We are also one of the few gene therapy-certified treatment centers for sickle cell disease in the country.

At Montefiore Einstein Hematology (Blood Disorders), you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-based treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. By combining innovative therapies with proactive patient outreach, we strive to elevate the standard of care and significantly enhance outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease.

When you need sickle cell disease care, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan.

Normal red blood cells move easily through blood vessels, taking oxygen to every part of your body. People who have sickle cell disease have mostly curved (sickled) red blood cells. These cells can get stuck and block blood flow through a blood vessel. That means red blood cells and oxygen can’t flow to some parts of the body.

Sickle cell disease is inherited, which means it is passed from parent to child. To get sickle cell disease, a child has to inherit two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. These sickle cell genes are defective hemoglobin S genes. Patients can also develop sickle cell disease if they carry one sickle cell gene and one beta thalassemia or Hemoglobin C gene.

Painful events (sickle cell crises) in the hands or feet, belly, back or chest are the most common symptoms of sickle cell disease. This pain may last from hours to days. Most people with sickle cell disease are anemic, which can make them feel weak and tired. Patients can also be predisposed to infections, and be prone to other complications which can be chronic.

Sickle cell disease is diagnosed when a simple blood test shows abnormal hemoglobin S. A sickle cell test looks for sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.

Treatment involves getting routine tests to monitor health, managing pain events (sickle cell crises) with medicine and treating related health problems as they arise. Vaccinations are very important to reduce the risk of infections. Certain therapies can prevent or reduce the risk of organ damage and even improve survival. Some people need regular blood transfusions to lower the risk of stroke and to treat anemia and other problems.

At Montefiore Einstein Hematology (Blood Disorders), our dedicated team understands the intricate nature of sickle cell disease, employing comprehensive treatment strategies to ensure optimal care and improved quality of life for individuals facing the challenges of this condition. In addition to transfusion therapy, we also offer access to preventive therapy, disease-modifying therapies, oral and intravenous iron chelation, gene therapy at our Gene Therapy Certified Treatment Center, medical cannabis at our Medical Cannabis Clinic, clinical trials for new medications, as well as sickle cell haploidentical allogeneic and allogeneic stem cell transplants.