Sickle Cell Anemia Care at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Sickle Cell Anemia at University of Colorado Hospital?

University of Colorado Hospital is part of a nationwide network of sickle cell treatment centers. These centers bring the most recent research findings to the care of patients. UCH is a nationally recognized leader in the field of sickle cell anemia.

A special red blood cell exchange program at UCH has vastly improved the quality of life of sickle cell disease patients. The program, which is the only one of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region, has reduced complications of the disease.

The doctors who treat anemia at UCH are certified in their fields. The director of the program is actively involved with sickle cell research and treatment at the National Institutes of Health.

What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease, named for rigid, sickle-shaped red blood cells. These cells die early, causing a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Sickle cells develop because of changes in the genes of two proteins (globins). An individual with changes to both types of globins has sickle cell disease, which affects about 70,000 Americans.

Sickle cell anemia has no known cure, but symptoms can be treated with medications.