ProMedica Opens First Adult Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic

There is a new resource in northwest Ohio for people with sickle cell disease as ProMedica has opened the first adult sickle cell clinic. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, which often leads to serious health problems.

The Adult Sickle Cell Clinic provides comprehensive treatment including transfusions, pain management and exemplary care for adults.

ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital will continue to treat children for the disease.

Crawford Strunk, MD, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Toledo Children’s Hospital, said there is a need for pediatric patients to transition to adult care smoothly. “It’s important to have a continuity of care as pediatric patients become adults. Their medical needs change and they are also glad to visit an adult office instead of a pediatric office in their 20s.”

Only a few adult sickle cell clinics exist nationally and they report reduced emergency center visits, hospitalizations, and a reduced rate of long-term complications. Dr. Strunk said, “Nationally, there are not a lot of medical providers with the experience or expertise to care for patients with sickle cell disease.

The clinic is staffed by the ProMedica Toledo Hospital Medical Oncology Outpatient Infusion office, Dr. Strunk and Jobst Vascular physician, Drew Oostra, MD.

Dr. Oostra said, “We started this clinic to provide care for patients with sickle cell disease who do not currently have a medical provider for their disease or who feel that their care could be improved. We are also taking referrals from current providers who feel patients would benefit from a comprehensive care setting.'