Our Sickle Cell Disease Program offers comprehensive clinics, transfusion services, specialty clinics and inpatient care. In addition, we have innovative services and technology for sickle cell disease, such as transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening to evaluate patients for stroke risk and BMT for eligible candidates. We offer a transition program for our adolescent and young adult patients to make a smooth transition to an adult-care facility.
We are a member of the Sickle Cell Clinical Research Network through the NIH and the Atlanta Sickle Cell Consortium, a citywide collaboration of physicians and researchers advancing the treatment of sickle cell disease and trying to develop a cure. Additionally, we work with experts and treatment centers throughout the country to conduct clinical research studies with a focus on improving the quality of life and reducing complications for children affected by this disease.
Our accomplishments include:
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Current annual funding for sickle cell disease research from federal agencies, pharma and private foundations totaling $5.4 million in direct costs.
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NIH-funded grants that include eight R01s through which we are currently evaluating two new medicines to reduce the severity and duration of episodes of severe pain. We are leading an international study on the long-term outcomes and late effects of BMT for patients with sickle cell disease.
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Leading a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-funded study with institutions throughout the country. The aim of the study is to determine whether arginine infusions will shorten sickle cell disease pain.
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Having amassed a unique database of health outcomes data for patients followed in the Sickle Cell Disease Program. This database, comprised of 2,600 unique patients over seven years, provides a rich resource for studying the health impact of sickle cell disease on children.
- Being a recipient of the Center of Excellence in Hemoglobinopathies Research Award, one of eight funded by the NHLBI. The project uses mouse models, in vitro organ preparations and microfluidics to understand how the early destruction of sickle cells leads to the development of acute chest syndrome, one of the most deadly complications of the disease.
Our sickle cell disease team:
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David Archer, PhD
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Nitya Bakshi, MD, MS
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R. Clark Brown, MD, PhD, Medical Director
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Carlton Dampier, MD
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Beatrice Gee, MD, Interim Program Medical Director
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Elaissa Hardy, PhD
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Angelica James-Herry, MD
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Clinton Joiner, MD, PhD
- Wilbur Lam, MD, PhD
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Peter Lane, MD
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David Myers, PhD
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Tamara New, MD
- Jason Payne, MD, Medical Director at Hughes Spalding
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Elna Saah, MD
- Vivien Sheehan, MD, PhD
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Amy Tang, MD
- Aisha Walker, PhD
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Marianne Yee, MD, MSc, Medical Director
- Yankai Zhang, PhD