Pediatric Hematology
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Stem cell transplantation
At the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, we also specialize in curing blood diseases in children with a stem cell transplant. The diseased bone marrow is then replaced by healthy bone marrow from a donor. For most of these blood diseases, the WAKZ is the only place in the Netherlands where this is done for children.
What we do
Children with a blood disorder
We assess what is needed for the treatment for each child individually. Our aim is to provide the child with specialized treatment as close to home as possible and with as few hospital visits as possible. We do this so as not to hinder the child's normal development.
Self-administering medication
For chronic diseases such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease, we therefore teach parents and children at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital to administer medication themselves at an early age. In addition, we collaborate with home care organizations. This allows us to limit hospital visits to one or two times a year.
…Children with a blood disorder
We assess what is needed for the treatment for each child individually. Our aim is to provide the child with specialized treatment as close to home as possible and with as few hospital visits as possible. We do this so as not to hinder the child's normal development.
Self-administering medication
For chronic diseases such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease, we therefore teach parents and children at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital to administer medication themselves at an early age. In addition, we collaborate with home care organizations. This allows us to limit hospital visits to one or two times a year.
Healing
For many other serious diseases, such as thalassemia and bone marrow failure, we strive for a cure. After an intensive period of an average of 1 to 2 years, these children are cured of their disease. Until then, at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, we ensure that complications from the diseases are kept to a minimum through proper guidance.
Appointment and admission
Children with blood disorders regularly visit the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital to receive medication, clotting factors, or blood products. This can be done on an outpatient basis (a treatment lasting approximately 1 to 2 hours) or as a day admission (half to a full day). The treatment plan is drawn up by a pediatric hematologist.
On the day of the treatment, the child is examined, if necessary, by a pediatric hematologist, a nurse specializing in pediatric blood disorders, or a ward physician. After all necessary checks, the child is then administered the medication or blood product. Administration often requires an intravenous line in one of the blood vessels. Some children have a device for this: a port-a-cath. Other children receive an intravenous line from a phlebotomist after anesthesia. If the child feels well after the treatment, they can usually go home the same day.
Other pages
Scientific research
Research into blood diseases
At the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, in the Department of Pediatric Hematology, we conduct research into blood diseases in children. For example, we regularly measure the blood levels of specific medications that children with a clotting disorder receive. This allows us to better estimate in the future how much of such a medication to administer to patients.
…Research into blood diseases
At the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, in the Department of Pediatric Hematology, we conduct research into blood diseases in children. For example, we regularly measure the blood levels of specific medications that children with a clotting disorder receive. This allows us to better estimate in the future how much of such a medication to administer to patients.
Research into bone marrow failure
In cases of bone marrow failure, it is often unknown why a healthy child's blood factory suddenly stops producing blood cells. Using various models, we are attempting to answer this question in our laboratory at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital. Additionally, we participate in national and international research initiated at other hospitals.
Read more information about our scientific research on the website of our Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology .
Our team
- Dr. Frans Smier, Pediatric Hematologist
- Dr. Alexander Mohseny, Pediatric Hematologist
- Judith Timmermans, Hematology Nurse Practitioner in training
- Dr. Carolien Haazendonk, Pediatrician in training to become a hematologist