In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.
At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, we care for children with a variety of blood disorders that affect how blood cells function and develop. These conditions can range from anemia and clotting problems to more complex diseases like sickle cell disease or bleeding disorders. Understanding the specific blood disorder your child has helps our specialized team create a personalized care plan focused on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and supporting your child’s overall health and well-being.
Aplastic anemia happens when the bone marrow, which normally makes blood cells, slows down or stops working. This can lead to fewer white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. As a result, kids with aplastic anemia may be at higher risk for infections, feeling tired from anemia or bleeding easily.
Resources: Aplastic Anemia Handbook | AA MDS International FoundationHereditary spherocytosis is a condition that causes red blood cells to break down too soon, leading to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms vary but can include pale skin, feeling tired, gallstones, an enlarged spleen and yellowing of the eyes or skin, also called jaundice. We work closely with families to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Resources: Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) happens when the immune system mistakenly lowers the number of platelets, the cells that help blood clot. When platelet counts are low, children may bruise easily, bleed more than usual, or develop tiny red spots under the skin or inside the mouth (petechiae). Our team monitors these signs closely to keep your child safe.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and happens when the body doesn’t have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can make children feel tired, weak or pale. We’ll guide you through diagnosis and treatment to help your child regain strength.
Neutropenia means having fewer neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights off certain infections, especially bacterial infections. Children with neutropenia are more vulnerable to getting sick, so we take extra care to prevent and treat infections quickly.
Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders where the body doesn’t make enough of one of the proteins in hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. This leads to anemia starting early in life. Children may experience fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. There are two main types:
Resources: Thalassemia.org
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder where the body’s immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking healthy cells instead of infections, causing serious illness. We specialize in diagnosing and managing this complex condition to support your child’s recovery.
Resources: Hemophagocytic Handbook
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease where certain immune cells group together and damage healthy tissue. Our team offers comprehensive care to help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves. There are three types – Type 1, Type 2 and Schwannomatosis – each affecting the nervous system in different ways. While there’s no cure, treatments like surgery, radiation, or medications can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Opsoclonus myoclonus is a rare neurological disorder causing unsteady walking, sudden muscle spasms, and rapid eye movements. It can also affect speech and muscle tone, and may cause irritability or fatigue. This condition often occurs alongside tumors or infections, and we offer specialized care to help your child manage symptoms.
Resources: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke