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Disorders of White Blood Cells and Platelets

Our BRI team is skilled in diagnosing and treating disorders of white blood cells and platelets. White blood cells are important to our immune system to defend our bodies against infectious organisms or foreign substances.

Platelets are sticky substances that are formed in our bone marrow and help to form blood clots. Too many or too few platelets, abnormally functioning platelets, and related conditions can cause bleeding disorders, blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

Hemophilia A and B

The blood of people with hemophilia A or B are missing or have a low level of a protein called a clotting factor, which helps to stop bleeding. Patients with hemophilia A are missing factor 8, while those with hemophilia B are missing factor 9. If you have hemophilia, you may bleed for a longer time after an injury than if your blood clotted properly.

At the Nadeene Brunini Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, we utilize breakthrough treatments and prophylactic (preventive) therapies, including injectable medications called clotting factors, nose sprays, hormone therapy, and prophylactic pills and topical treatments to reduce bleeding during dental procedures, surgery, menstruation, and childbirth. Our team also provides patients with information on FDA-approved gene therapy for severe hemophilia.

Because hemophilia A and B are complex conditions, our team assists patients with physical therapy, orthopedic care, emotional and educational support, and referrals to community resources.

Sickle Cell Disease

At the Blood Research Institute, we provide comprehensive care for patients with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder than mainly affects persons of certain cultures, including those who are Black, Hispanic-Americans, and people of Mediterranean descent. Sickle cell disease is most often detected at birth through a routine newborn screening and is marked by abnormal red blood cells that disrupt the normal flow of oxygen and tissues in the body.

Treatment options may include medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplantation. The FDA recently approved several exciting new curable treatments for sickle cell disease. Our BRI team can make referrals for these new therapies.

Nutritional Deficiency Anemia

Anemia occurs when a person does not have enough healthy red blood cells to bring oxygen to the body’s tissues. Nutritional deficiency anemia is fairly common and caused by a low level of iron, folate, vitamins B12 and A, or the amount of vitamin C you consume. Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Smoking and heavy alcohol drinking are risk factors for anemia.

Nutritional deficiency anemia most often can be treated by taking iron supplements, vitamins, or improving your diet. Our dietitians can provide nutritional guidance for patients who need to eat healthier foods.