Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

The Brown University Health Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s has provided exceptional care to both adults and children living with sickle cell disease, since 2021. The center’s experienced team of medical professionals offers a wide range of advanced treatments, including gene therapy, vaccines, hydroxyurea therapy, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants, to individuals with sickle cell disease across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The center is committed to delivering comprehensive care and conducting cutting-edge clinical research from diagnosis through adulthood. Its multidisciplinary team is devoted to addressing every aspect of a patient's well-being, providing both medical and psychosocial support to cater to the diverse needs of the patient population.

What Is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening blood disorder affecting more than 100,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide. Most Americans with SCD are Black or Latinx with African ancestry. This condition affects hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. SCD causes red blood cells to take on a rigid, inflexible shape, often resembling a sickle, leading to blockages in blood vessels and reduced oxygen delivery to various parts of the body. SCD can cause acute and chronic complications affecting many organs. 

Painful episodes, known as sickle cell crises, are a hallmark of the disease and can significantly impact patients' quality of life, particularly in adolescence and adulthood.  Pain management is an essential aspect of sickle cell care