Paediatric Hematology

At Mediclinic, our paediatric hematology and oncology teams work together to care for children with blood, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, and bleeding disorders. We screen for, diagnose and treat conditions ranging from iron-deficiency anemia, the most common, to inherited disorders such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, enzymopathy and red blood cell membranes disorders.

What is paediatric hematology

Paediatric haematology is the care of blood problems from newborns to teenagers. Blood carries oxygen, fights infection and helps wounds stop bleeding. That's why a child with a blood problem may feel tired or bruise easily. Paediatric haematologists diagnose and manage conditions such as anaemia, sickle cell disease and low platelets, and they follow children with lifelong conditions as they grow. Blood cancers such as leukaemia are looked after together with paediatric oncology.

When should you see a paediatric haematologist?

Speak to your doctor if your child has:

• Ongoing tiredness or pale skin
• Bruising or bleeding that seems out of the ordinary
• Frequent nosebleeds or tiny spots on the skin
• Repeated infections or fevers that keep coming back
• Episodes of unexplained pain or swelling of the hands and feet
• A blood condition that runs in the family, such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia

A high temperature, severe pain or trouble breathing in a child with sickle cell disease can be a sign of a serious problem. Seek emergency care straight away.

Some children are followed from birth because a blood condition runs in the family or was picked up by newborn screening. In the UAE, couples are screened before marriage for thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia and other inherited blood conditions, so some families know early that a child may be affected. A paediatrician or family doctor often refers your child to a paediatric haematologist, and any worry about your child's blood is a good reason to seek advice.

What to expect

At the first appointment, the doctor asks about your child's symptoms, general health and family background, then examines them. A blood test is almost always the starting point: a full blood count shows the number and type of blood cells and points to what's going on. Depending on the results, your child may have further blood tests, and sometimes a bone marrow test to look more closely.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some children simply need iron supplements or regular monitoring. Others need blood transfusions, medicines to prevent complications or clotting-factor injections for a bleeding disorder. A few conditions, including some blood cancers, need chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant, given together with our oncology teams. The specialist explains the options and agrees each step with you.

Paediatric haematology at Mediclinic

In Dubai, our cancer centre cares for inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, alongside childhood blood cancers. Across our hospitals, paediatric haematology and oncology work as one team. In Abu Dhabi, our Airport Road hospital manages sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, other hereditary and acquired red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet disorders, in addition to bleeding and clotting disorders and gives follow-up care after a bone marrow transplant. Many of these conditions last for life, so a child stays with the same team for years, including after cancer treatment ends. Specialist nurses, dietitians and a psychologist work alongside our doctors, so the whole family has support.