Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence
The Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease features experts from many medical fields to provide you help and healing. Our pediatric and adult sickle cell specialists offer you care based on research and experience. We treat your symptoms and determine if you are a candidate for therapies that can lead to a cure.
Our sickle cell care team is connected to everything Vanderbilt offers. This means we can help you face life with sickle cell disease from every angle – with medical, mental and social support.
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Conditions We Treat
We treat and help manage sickle cell disease and related symptoms and complications, including:
- Hemoglobin SS
- Hemoglobin SC
- Hemoglobin S/beta-thalassemia plus
- Hemoglobin SD
- Hemoglobin S/beta-thalassemia zero
- Hemoglobin SO-Arab
- Anemia
Meet Your Care Team
Michael R. DeBaunMD, MPH
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sickle Cell Disease
Adetola A. KassimMD
- Bone Marrow Transplant, Cancer, Hematologic Cancer, Hematology, Hematology/Oncology, Leukemia, Acute and Chronic, Stem Cell Transplant
Why Choose Sickle Cell Disease Care at Vanderbilt
- Whole-life care
Our doctors at Monroe Carell and Vanderbilt University Hospital work closely together as patients move from pediatric to adult care. Our transition program includes mentoring to help children with sickle cell disease prepare for adult life. We teach our patients about health care coverage challenges, age-related complications and the need for specialty referrals.
- Collaborative care
We work with experts in other regional hospitals to improve your care. Our partners include doctors at Meharry Medical Center, Tennessee Oncology, Cherokee Health System, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, LeBonheur Children's Hospital and Methodist University Hospital. Together, we discuss sickle cell cases and work toward better care solutions. Our connection to the Vanderbilt Transplant Program offers bone marrow transplantation as a possible cure.
- Personalized care
Our case managers help you face the psycho-social effects of sickle cell disease, such as maintaining relationships and employment. We also provide help and advice with insurance. Through the Phi Beta Pi Rehabilitation Institute at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, we provide vocational counseling if you are unable to perform your job. We can also help you with access to ambulatory devices so you can continue with work and self-care.
- Medical home
A medical home is more than a basic clinic. It is a place where you will develop a lifelong relationship with doctors, nurses and staff. Our Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease brings together primary care providers and specialists from your area to treat you in one place.
- Innovative research
Our research efforts for sickle cell disease include two kinds of transplant-based research. Our goal is to provide you with even more treatment options in the near future and improve those already available.
Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Chronic transfusion program
- Hydroxyurea therapy
- L-glutamine therapy