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A blood cell disorder is a noncancerous disease that occurs when there’s a problem with the red blood cells, the white blood cells or the platelets, which are smaller circulating cells essential for clot formation. Pediatric blood disorders can affect the functioning and quality of life of infants, children, teens and young adults. In some cases, these disorders can be life-threatening.

Hematology is the study of blood and blood-related diseases. At the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, our hematologists treat several different types of pediatric blood disorders and conditions.

What are the different types of blood disorders commonly found in kids?

Bleeding and clotting disorders

Red blood cell disorders

  • Alpha thalassemia
  • Anemia
  • Beta thalassemia
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Megaloblastic anemia
  • Polycythemia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thalassemia 

White blood cell disorders

  • Neutropenia 

Platelet disorders

  • Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Bone marrow failure syndromes

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is home to the largest pediatric hematology program in the country, including the largest pediatric sickle cell disease program. The size of our program and the breadth of our expertise allow us to offer the highest degree of specialization, which means that every child is cared for by a team that is focused solely on his or her specific childhood blood disorder. Combining the latest proven technology and research with a caring, child-friendly approach makes the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center a top choice for the treatment of both common and rare blood disorders.

At the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, we offer a full range of treatment options for children and young adults who have been diagnosed with pediatric blood disorders. We design a specialized treatment plan for each child, working closely with each family to determine the best course of action, as treatment methods will vary based on a child’s unique diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

  • Medicine: Our doctors may prescribe growth factors to help blood cell production, drugs that inhibit blood clot formation, pain medications or other drugs.
  • Blood transfusion: Common blood transfusions—the process through which a person receives donated blood—include red blood cell, plasma and platelet transfusions.
  • Blood and marrow transplant: A blood and marrow transplant, also called a bone marrow transplant or BMT, is the only cure for children with sickle cell disease.
  • Developmental therapeutics: We offer some of the most promising new treatments for children with blood disorders.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is committed to excellence and innovation in pediatric research. As Georgia’s top pediatric cancer and blood disorders research center, we are home to one of the largest clinical trial programs in the country, offering our patients access to some of the most novel childhood cancer and blood disorders treatments available.

View our open research studies:

Receiving a blood disorder diagnosis for your child can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is here to support you and your family while your child is in our care because family is a big part of your child’s well-being. Not only are you a vital member of your child’s healthcare team; you are a source of security and comfort.