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Sickle Cell Disease
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease and to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease through comprehensive and interdisciplinary high quality medical care, patient community education and research into new therapies.
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE?
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited life long illness that affects the hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the part of the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Red blood cells containing normal hemoglobin are soft, round and can squeeze through tiny blood vessels delivering needed oxygen to body tissues. Red blood cells containing sickle hemoglobin become stiff and curved in shape and are unable to pass through tiny blood vessels and deliver oxygen to body tissues. This can cause sever pain, damage to the body's organs and even death.
There are many different types of abnormal hemoglobin. Those most commonly seen in the United States include; hemoglobin SS (sickle cell anemia), hemoglobin SC and the sickle beta thalassemias. The signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease are different in each person. Some people have mild symptoms while others have very severe symptoms requiring hospitalization for treatment. The medical goals for treatment are to relieve pain, prevent infections, and control complications when they occur. The treatment for sickle cell disease includes medicines, blood transfusions, and other appropriate treatment for complications. If you or your child has sickle cell disease, it is important to take good care of yourself, learn as much about the disease as possible and see your doctor regularly.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
- People of African, Mediterranean, Middle East, Latin American and Asian origin.
- 80,000 Americans of different ethnic backgrounds.
- One in 500 African Americans has sickle cell disease.
- One in 12 African Americans is a carrier of the sickle cell trait.
- One in 172 Hispanic Americans is a carrier of the sickle cell trait.
Our Services
We provide both diagnostic and treatment services for those with sickle cell disease. These include the following:
• Diagnosing and consultations
• Newborn screening confirmation
• Genetic counseling - family, group, individual
• Emergency and urgent assessments
• Primary medical care
• Infusion and transfusion therapy
• Social services
• Psychosocial services
• Education - family, group, individual
• Professional and community education
• Support Groups - pediatric and adult
• Access to national research studies
• Acute Care Center for uncomplicated pain crisis, an alternative to emergency room treatment.
Support Group Meetings
UI Hospital's Sickle Cell Support Group meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 1740 W. Taylor from 6-8p.m. The meetings serve as a venue for learning, as well as sharing and supporting. Therefore, most meetings feature a guest speaker/presentation on a topic of interest. All meetings provide an opporunity for discussion and sharing of experiences.
Our Team
Our interdisciplinary approach to treatment includes top specialists and a strong nursing support system. Patients admitted to the hospital with sickle cell disease benefit from the care of a nursing staff that collaborates with the patient's medical team to provide the best care & manage pain all with a healing touch.
Our Locations
For Adult and Acute Care:
Sickle Cell Center
University Of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System Hospital
1740 West Taylor Street
Suite 5E
Chicago IL, 60612
To request an appointment or for more information, please call 312.996.5680.
For Pediatrics:
Outpatient Care Center
1801 West Taylor Street
Suite 2E
Chicago IL, 60612
To request an appointment or for more information, please call 312.996.6143.