Sickle Cell

Lillian is a 10 year old girl who has been in the hospital the last week.  She has Sickle Cell Anemia which causes her red blood cells to become “sickle shaped”.  This causes the affected cells to be removed from her circulation by the spleen resulting in anemia.  Additionally these abnormal shaped cells can plug small vessels in various locations throughout the body.  This results in significant pain.  It also increases her risk for infections.  Lillian was suffering from both Malaria and abdominal pain. 

Lillian Feeling Better

 

We were able to get both of these problems under control and she was able to make it home for the new year.