State of Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Program

This program follows children with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders long term, with the following services: case management for the first 5 years of life, home visiting, annual pediatric hematology evaluations (at sickle cell disease centers and outreach clinics), genetic counseling, parent education, and support groups.

Maryland has an excellent program for young children with sickle cell disease coordinated by the Office for Genetics and Children with Special Health Care Needs. An independent study* shows that the mortality rate among young children with sickle cell disease in Maryland is the lowest in the US.

However, the state currently lacks a comprehensive program for adults with sickle cell disease. Changes in the pattern of health care delivery are placing most patients in managed care increasing the importance of following available national treatment guidelines.
*Davis H, Gergen P. and More R: Geographic differences in mortality of young children with sickle cell disease in the US. Public Health Reports 112: 52-58 (1997).

Sickle Cell Disease Services Genetic Counseling Home Visits Program Services Referral Centers Pediatric Hematology Consultants Fact Sheets Fetal Hemoglobin Fact Sheet Hemoglobin C Trait Facts Sickle Cell Trait Facts

Information Overview of Sickle Cell Disease in Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Information Resources/Links Recommendations Pediatric Sickling Disorder Management Recommendations Fever Guidelines Care for the Child with Sickle Cell Disease Hemoglobin Disorder Management Recommendations Diagnosis/Ongoing Care for Hemoglobin Disorders