Iron overload can occur in children who receive multiple RBC transfusions. Excess iron can build up in the liver, heart, and other organs of the body, causing the organ to not function as well as it should. Decreas- ing the number of transfusions a child receives is the best way to prevent iron overload from occurring. For children who develop iron overload, medications called chelators may be prescribed to decrease the amount of excess iron. These medications are either given through an IV, under the skin, or as an oral medication. For children who no longer require transfusions, phlebotomy (removal of RBCs similar to donating a unit of blood) may be recommended to remove excess iron. n WHO WILL CARE FOR MY CHILD? A team of professionals at a specialty clinic will be caring for your child. This team usually consists of specially trained physicians called hematologists. These are doctors who are trained to care for children with blood problems. Nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, child life specialists, psychologists, and dieticians also may be members of your child’s healthcare team. You and your family are an important part of that team. You know your child better than anyone else. Be sure that you feel comfortable talking to your healthcare team members about symptoms you are noticing; questions you have regarding diagnosis, treatment, and medications; or any other concerns you may have.
n WHAT RESOURCES EXIST FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH APLASTIC ANEMIA AND THEIR FAMILIES? Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation www.aamds.org Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network www.bmtinfonet.org
n HOW CAN I WORK WITH THE HEALTHCARE TEAM? The care of your child requires a team approach. You are a key player on your child’s healthcare team. You know your child better than anyone else and your input is important. Always communicate openly with the other members of your child’s healthcare team. Ask questions when there is anything you are not sure about. It may help to write down your questions as you think of them. This will help you remember all of your questions when you are talking to the healthcare team. Many families find it helpful to create a folder or binder in which they can store all of the information they have received about their child’s diagnosis including copies of laboratory results. This also can be a good place to write down any questions that arise between appointments. Important questions you may want to ask include
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