Best Doctors in India for Sickle Cell Anemia treatment
- Top Hemato Oncologist & BMT Specialist | BLK Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 20+ Years Experience
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Dharma Choudhary is a renowned Hemato Oncologist and BMT specialist who is currently associated with BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. He serves as the Director and Senior Consultant at the Department of BMT and Hematology.
- With over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Choudhary holds the credit of performing some of the most complex BMTs in India and has had several successful results to his name.
- He has carried out more than 2000 life-saving transplants, establishing himself as one of the most trusted and experienced professionals in the field.
- Although adult leukemia and lymphoma (blood cancer) are his primary areas of expertise, he is also very skilled in treating solid tumors and a variety of benign blood diseases.
- BMT Specialist and Hemato-Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 10 Years Experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Gaurav Dixit is a well-known BMT Specialist and Hemato-Oncologist in India, currently serving as the Unit Head of Hemato-Oncology at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. His specialization primarily lies in leukemia, myeloma, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia.
- To date, Dr. Dixit has independently performed or been involved in over 500 BMTs. He is also credited for carrying out the first BMT in Kenya.
- Dr. Gaurav Dixit completed his MBBS and MD in general medicine from PGIMS Rohtak in 2008.
- Top Pediatric Hemato-oncologist & BMT Specialist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 15+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Gaurav Kharya is one of India’s top pediatric hematologists. He has over 17 years of expertise and is affiliated with Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
- Dr. Kharya specializes in Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Immunology, and BMT. He has extensive expertise in transplanting in children with benign or malignant blood abnormalities, immunological disorders, and other conditions both nationally and internationally.
- Dr. Kharya performed around 600 BMTs with his team. He undertook the first Haploidentical BMT for sickle cell disease in India. He also depleted TCR alpha beta CD 19 in invitro by haploidentical BMT in a 4-month-old baby with severe combined immunodeficiency.
- Hemato Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Nitin Sood is a highly experienced Hematologist specializing in a wide range of blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and various anemias such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
- He also deals with complex conditions like bleeding and clotting disorders, as well as bone marr*w transplants.
- Currently, Dr. Nitin Sood holds the position of Director in the Department of Hemato Oncology and BMT at Medanta-The Medicity, Gurugram.
- Hematologist, Chennai, India
- Over 29 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Prabu P is one of the top Hematologists in Tamil Nadu with an experience of more than 15+ years in the field.
- He gained most of his experience working in the United Kingdom and now practices at Apollo Hospital, Chennai.
- Dr. Prabu acquired experience in general and malignant pediatric hematology while working in the pediatric hematology unit of St James University Hospital, Leeds.
- Hematologist & BMT Specialist, Gurugram, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rahul Bhargava is a leading Hematologist and BMT specialist currently working at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
- Dr. Bhargava has an experience of more than 20 years in Hematology, Pediatric Hemato Oncology, and BMT during which he has performed numerous BMTs with successful outcomes.
- He primarily specializes in Haploidentical and unrelated match transplants and has performed over 1500 transplants till date.
- In 2016, he became the first Indian doctor to perform and popularize BMT for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Hematologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 17 years’ experience
- Paras Hospital Gurugram
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rahul Naithani is a highly skilled clinical Hematologist known for his expertise in Hemato Oncology and BMT. He is currently serving as the Director & HOD in the Department of Hematology and Hemat-oncology at Paras Hospitals in Gurugram.
- He has performed over 260 BMTs successfully, demonstrating his dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing treatment options.
- He completed his MD in Pediatrics from Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi, followed by a DM in Clinical Hematology from AIIMS, New Delhi.
- Top Hemato Oncologist & BMT Specialist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 20+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Shishir Seth is a Hemato Oncologist and BMT specialist currently practicing at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- He is an expert Hematologist and Hemato-Oncologist with an interest in the management and treatment of different blood diseases (benign and malignant).
- He has performed over 200 Hematopoietic BMTs successfully of which 40 included Allogenic Haploidentical transplants and Antigen Mismatch transplants. He has also performed 300 Induction procedures for Acute Leukemia.
- With an experience of 20+ years in Hematology and BMT, Dr. Seth has achieved several feats in his career that have gained him immense popularity and recognition.
- Dr. Shishir Seth is involved with research work as well and has numerous publications in his name in various national and international journals.
- Pediatric Hemato Oncologist & BMT Specialist, Gurugram, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Vikas Dua is one of the best Pediatric Hemato Oncologist and BMT specialist in India with over 200 pediatric BMTs to his credit.
- His primary area of expertise is Pediatric Haploidentical transplants, but he is also skilled in doing BMTs for pediatric patients with leukemia and thalassemia.
- He received his training in Pediatric BMT from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and holds Fellowship in Pediatric BMT from the National University Hospital in Singapore.
Best Hospitals in India for Sickle Cell Anemia treatment
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of India’s best and largest multi-specialty hospitals, Medanta was built with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. The hospital has been providing the best medical services to its patients, since its inception, with care, commitment, and compassion.
- Equipped with 1250 beds, the hospital was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan in the year 2009 with an aim to provide the best medical care at affordable costs. The hospital is spread across 43 acres and includes 45 operation theatres and 350 beds dedicated solely to ICU. The hospital includes over 800 doctors, and more than 22 specialty departments and has a dedicated floor for individual specialty in order to offer the best services under one roof.
- The hospital is considered one of the premier institutes in India for Cardiac Care and includes staffs and members of high caliber. The hospital has 6 distinct centers of excellence.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Artemis Hospital, established in 2007 in Gurugram, India, is a leading multi-specialty institution known for its excellence in patient care and advanced medical technology, offering comprehensive services across specialties like Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopedics etc.
- Renowned for its patient-focused care, Artemis Hospital combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with a team of internationally trained doctors and surgeons, ensuring the highest standards of medical treatment.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, Artemis Hospital meets global healthcare quality and safety standards, reflecting its commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care.
- The hospital is recognized for utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic and ther*peutic techniques, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to their needs.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai is the most sought-after private cancer hospital in India. It is an integrated facility that provides cutting-edge, all inclusive cancer treatment to patients all over the globe.
- The hospital is a part of the renowned Apollo Group which has a large network of over 74 hospitals in India and across the globe. Out of the 74 hospitals, 21 of them are cancer centres. However, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the only cancer hospital to have JCI accreditation.
- The Centre, which was established on the principles of excellence and expertise, unites a formidable medical staff led by some of the most illustrious figures in cancer treatment.
- The hospital follows the global ASTRO Model Policy. It is the same global policy which is followed by countries like USA, UK, and Europe.
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is among the very few hospitals in India to receive patients from First World countries such as USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, etc.
- Apart from that, it is also the first hospital in Chennai to receive patients from several countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, etc.
- In fact, there is a dedicated team at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that serves only international patients. Thus, on a monthly basis, the Centre receives patients from across 32 countries.
- Moreover, there are certain treatments in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that are not available in any other centre. APCC addresses all types of possible cancers that are usually not covered by any other centre.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Over the last 33 years, the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has set new standards in cardiac treatment with groundbreaking research. It is now known around the world as a centre of expertise for Cardiac Bypass Surgery, Interventional Cardiology, Non-invasive Cardiology, Paediatric Cardiology, and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery.
- The hospital has cutting-edge laboratories that perform a wide range of diagnostic tests in Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Biochemistry, Haematology, Transfusion Medicine, and Microbiology.
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute boasts a diverse group of bright and experienced doctors who are backed up by a team of highly qualified, experienced, and devoted support professionals as well as cutting-edge equipment such as the recently installed Dual CT Scan.
- Approximately 200 cardiac doctors and 1600 personnel currently collaborate to manage over 14,500 admissions and 7,200 emergency situations each year. The hospital now has a 310-bed infrastructure, as well as five cath labs and a slew of other world-class amenities.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is a premier multi-super-specialty, quaternary care hospital, known for its exceptional international faculty, top-tier clinicians, super-sub-specialists, and specialized nurses, all supported by cutting-edge technology.
- It is the flaship hospital of Fortis Healthcare Limited, part of IHH Healthcare Berhad, a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. As one of the country’s largest healthcare organizations, Fortis operates 28 healthcare facilities with over 4,500 operational beds (including O&M facilities) and more than 400 diagnostic centers (including joint ventures).
- Recognized as one of the top hospitals in India, FMRI serves as a leading referral center and aspires to be the ‘Mecca of Healthcare’ for India and beyond. Its 11-acre campus is a testament to its commitment to providing world-class healthcare.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, FMRI is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare quality and safety, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. The hospital’s reputation is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative medical practices.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Indian Spinal Injuries Center (ISIC), provides state-of-the-art facilities for the management of all types of spinal ailments.
- Staffed with internationally trained, acclaimed, and dedicated spine surgeons, the hospital provides cutting-edge medical & surgical technology. The hospital provides comprehensive management of spinal injury, back pain, spinal deformities, tumors, osteoporosis, etc.
- The hospital performs motion-preserving spine surgeries including disc replacement and dynamic fixation, and minimally invasive spine surgeries such as endoscopic disc excision.
- The orthopedic service of the hospital covers all orthopedic ailments including trauma, joint diseases & replacements, oncology, pediatric orthopedics & upper limb ailment.
- City: Faridabad
Hospital Highlights:
In the sprawling city of Faridabad, where healthcare needs are diverse and ever-evolving, one institution has consistently stood out as a beacon of excellence in the field of medicine—Marengo Asia Hospital. Established with a vision to provide world-class healthcare services to the community it serves, Marengo Asia Hospital has emerged as a trusted name synonymous with quality, compassion, and innovation in healthcare.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is a 700-bedded multispecialty hospital in the heart of the capital of India. It is a part of Apollo Hospital group, one of India’s most reputed healthcare chains. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission International, making it the first internationally accredited hospital in the country in 2005.
- There are 52 specialties in the hospital with one of the best cardiology centers in the country. The hospital is also equipped with State of the art infrastructure facilities with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia and the largest number of ICU bed facilities in India.
- The latest and highly advanced technologies that are installed in the hospital include Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, PET-MR, PET-CT, Cobalt-based HDR, Brain Lab Navigation System, Tilting MRI, Portable CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT scanner, DSA Lab, Endosonography, Hyperbaric Chamber and Fibro scan.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the well-regarded providers in India committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care, Max Super Specialty Hospital is a part of Max Healthcare, which is the second-largest healthcare chain in India. Regarded as one of the most well-regarded healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital is committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence as well as patient care. The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology as well as cutting-edge research. The hospital is known to deliver and ensure the highest level of patient care.
- The hospital has more than 500 beds and offers treatment for over 35 specialties. The hospital also holds the credit of having installed the first Brain Suite in Asia. This is a highly advanced Neurosurgical machine that allows MRI to be taken while surgery is ongoing.
- Other advanced and latest technologies are also installed in the hospital such as the 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 64 Slice CT Angiography, 4D ECHO, LINAC, and 3.5T MRI machine.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Founded in 2017, the HCG EKO Cancer Centre is a committed, all-inclusive cancer care facility in Kolkata.
- The hospital was collaboratively established by India’s leading cancer care provider HCG (HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd.), and EKO Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd., a top diagnostic and imaging chain in Eastern India.
- With 88 beds, the hospital provides a full spectrum of services including diagnosis, prevention, screening, second opinions, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up, and palliative care.
- Additionally, the hospital contains a day-care chemotherapy ward, Neutropenic ward, medical ICU, pharmacy, blood bank, and an IPD wing.
- At HCG EKO Cancer Centre Kolkata, a large team of cancer experts with experience in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, hemato oncology, BMT, and nuclear medicine collaborate to offer a variety of treatment options under one roof.
- Furthermore, the hospital is also known for employing the most advanced radiation technology such as, the Radixact, a next-generation TomoTherapy equipment that provides greater radiation delivery precision.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder. People suffering from this disease don’t have adequate healthy red blood cells that can carry oxygen throughout their bodies. The red blood cells are flexible and disc-shaped. Normally, they can easily move through the blood vessels. However, in Sickle Cell Anemia, the red blood cells acquire the shape of a sickle or a crescent moon. The cells become sticky and rigid. Ultimately, they are not able to pass through the small blood vessels. This blocks or slows down oxygen and blood flow to various parts of your body.
Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive disease and you will have two copies of the genes if you are suffering from this disease. The cells trapped in the blood vessels can cause tissue damage and pain. You can only inherit the disease from your family and you will have the disease by birth. You cannot acquire the disease later in life due to external factors. The other names for the disease are Hemoglobin S disease, sickle cell disorders, HbS disease and sickle cell disease.
Types of Sickle Cell Anemia
Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Different mutations in the genes cause four different types of Sickle Cell Anemia.
Hemoglobin SS disease: Considered the most common type of Sickle Cell Anemia, it occurs if you inherit copies of the hemoglobin S gene from your mother as well as father. This leads to the formation of the Hb SS. It is the most severe type of SCD and you may experience symptoms at a high rate.
Hemoglobin SC disease: As a less severe type of anemia, it is the second most common form of SCD. When you inherit the Hb C gene from one of your parents & the HbS gene from the other parent, you will suffer from this type.
Hemoglobin SB+ (Beta) Thalassemia: It affects the production of the beta-globin gene. With less production of beta protein, the size of the red blood cells reduces. You will suffer from hemoglobin S beta thalassemia if you inherit the Hb S gene.
Hemoglobin SB 0 (Beta-zero) Thalassemia: It is another type of Sickle Cell Anemia that involves the beta-globin gene. You may experience some severe symptoms if you are suffering from this disease.
Causes of Sickle Cell Anemia
A defect in the hemoglobin-beta gene present on chromosome 11 causes sickle cell disease. Due to the defect, abnormal hemoglobin is formed. You will have the disease if both your parents pass on the abnormal hemoglobin gene to you. If you have only one defective hemoglobin-beta gene, you are a carrier of the disorder. You won’t experience the symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia but you can pass the disease to your children if your husband or wife is also a carrier of the trait.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia
The first signs of Sickle Cell Anemia appear when the child is 5 months old. The symptoms of SCD include:
- Anemia- You will have very few red blood cells when the sickle cells break easily and die. While the red blood cells normally live for 120 days before their death, the sickle cells hardly live for 20 days. This causes anemia or a shortage of red blood cells. Because of this, your body won’t get adequate oxygen and cause fatigue.
- Pain- You will also experience episodic pain when the sickle-shaped cells obstruct the blood flow through the blood vessels. The intensity of the pain will vary and it may sometimes last for a few weeks.
- Swelling- The sickle-shaped cells block blood flow to the various parts of your body and cause swelling.
- Infections- You may be at a higher risk of infections when sickle cells cause damage to your so spleen.
- Delayed growth- Your body gets the required nutrients and oxygen for the growth from the red blood cells. Sickle-shaped cells slow down the growth of your body.
- Vision problems- The sickle cells may get stuck into the blood vessels that supply your eyes. This can cause damage to the portion of your eyes that produces visual images- the retina. Ultimately, you will suffer from vision problems.
Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia
Your doctor will ask you to take blood tests to check for the defective hemoglobin in your body. Your doctor may ask you to undergo some other tests too including a special ultrasound to rule out the possibility of a stroke. You may check if your unborn baby is suffering from the disease or not by a check of the amniotic fluid. The doctor can also ask you to undertake Hb electrophoresis to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Anemia
Medications
Hydroxyurea reduces the need for hospitalization or undergoing a blood transfusion. L-glutamine reduces the frequency of episodic pain. Narcotics will relieve the pain during episodes of pain.
Preventing infections
Your children will have to receive penicillin till they get 5 years old. This prevents infections that can prove to be fatal.
Blood transfusions
Blood transfusion increases the red blood cells in your blood to further reduce the complications.
Stem cell transplant
It involves the replacement of the bone marrow affected due to SCD. A donor will donate healthy bone marrow for the replacement.
Healthy diet
A healthy diet comprising of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help a lot. Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid supplements to you.
Avoiding extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures increase the risk of episodic pain. So, you must try to avoid them.
Talking
Find someone from your friends or family with whom you can share your pain. You can also ask your doctor to recommend a support group for you.
Learning more
Gather more knowledge about the disease to make sound decisions.