Curing Sickle Cell Anemia with a Bone Marrow Transplant

Olu sits on his hospital bed surrounded by toys on the day of his blood marrow transplant for sickle cell anemia.

Oluwaferanmi's Path to Pain-Free Living at CHRISTUS Children's

Tolulope and Oluwaseun welcomed their son, Oluwaferanmi, or Olu, into the world on December 19, 2015, in San Antonio.

Shortly after his birth, he was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Although Olu’s parents were aware they were carriers of the sickle cell genetic trait, the diagnosis still brought many worries about their newborn son and his future.

Understanding sickle cell anemia and Olu’s diagnosis

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels to deliver oxygen throughout the body. For people with sickle cell anemia, however, these cells become rigid and crescent or “sickle” shaped. This abnormal shape can cause the cells to get stuck in small blood vessels, blocking blood flow and leading to severe pain and other complications.

Children with sickle cell anemia face numerous challenges that can affect their daily lives and overall well-being. Frequent sickle cell crises often lead to hospitalizations and require careful pain management. These children may also be at higher risk for infections, stroke and organ damage. Chronic fatigue, delayed growth and difficulties in maintaining regular activities, such as school and play, are common. Additionally, the challenges associated with sickle cell anemia can lead to emotional and social difficulties as children work to manage their condition while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

For Olu's family, the diagnosis meant facing a future filled with medical challenges. Living in Nigeria at the time, they were particularly concerned about the environmental risks that could worsen Olu's condition, such as the prevalence of mosquito-borne malaria, which could trigger episodes of severe pain, known as sickle cell crises.

As a baby, Olu's frequent and inconsolable crying was a sign he was suffering, leaving his parents feeling helpless and heartbroken. The early years were marked by constant vigilance and uncertainty as they worked to manage and understand their son's condition.

Determined to find the best possible care, Tolulope and Oluwaseun began searching far and wide for answers, including exploring top sickle cell hospitals in the United States. Their search led them to CHRISTUS Children's in San Antonio, a place they later referred to as a “divine blessing” in their lives.

Hope for a treatment at CHRISTUS Children’s

Once connected to the team at CHRISTUS Children’s, the family consulted with Martin Andreansky, MD, PhD, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and medical director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at CHRISTUS Children's.

Dr. Andreansky advised Olu’s parents to consider the possibility of a bone marrow transplant, a complex procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor. While it offers a potential cure, it also carries significant risks, including intensive chemotherapy, potential complications during the transplant and a prolonged recovery period.

Despite these risks, Olu’s parents wanted to move forward with the bone marrow transplant, in hopes that he would eventually be able to live a life free from the debilitating pain and side effects of sickle cell anemia.

Olu's family now faced another challenging situation: finding a compatible donor, often identified through a sibling, for the bone marrow transplant. At the time, Olu was their only child, but with Tolulope pregnant with a new baby on the way, the possibility that this child could be a match brought a glimmer of hope.

Three months after their daughter Oluwafifunmi was born on November 2, 2018, a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing test confirmed she was a perfect 10/10 match. While her parents felt relieved, the journey ahead remained challenging, including the logistical complexities of preparing for the transplant as the family navigated life between San Antonio and Nigeria.

Olu's bone marrow transplant for sickle cell treatment

In the summer of 2020, just before Olu's fifth birthday, the family returned to CHRISTUS Children's to begin the bone marrow transplant process.

Chemotherapy, typically used in cancer treatment, uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cells. In Olu's case, it was used to suppress his immune system and make room for the new, healthy bone marrow.

Bone marrow transplantation is a highly specialized procedure, especially for genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia, Dr. Andreansky said. Success relies on careful preparation, including immune system suppression to prevent rejection. In Olu's case, precise donor matching and chemotherapy were vital to ensure his body accepted the new bone marrow, offering a path to long-term health and a better quality of life.

The bone marrow transplant required careful planning and coordination. Oluwafifunmi, who was just 2 years old at the time, underwent a procedure to donate her bone marrow. The transplant involved extracting her healthy marrow, which was then infused into Olu's body to replace his diseased cells.

Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the blood and bone marrow transplant team, the extraction of Oluwafifunmi’s bone marrow and the infusion into Olu’s body went smoothly. Olu's body successfully accepted the new marrow. This marked an important milestone in his path to recovery.

Olu's life after the bone marrow transplant

The days immediately following the transplant were filled with careful monitoring for any signs of rejection or complications. The multidisciplinary team of physicians, transplant coordinators and nurses provided round-the-clock care, ensuring Olu's recovery was as comfortable as possible.

Olu's parents were deeply touched by the compassion shown by everyone involved, from the medical staff to the social workers and chaplains who offered emotional and spiritual support. These personal connections provided a sense of peace during a tough time. “Every nurse, every doctor, every staff member, was truly amazing. They made us feel like family at every step,” Tolulope said.

Olu today

Olu, now 9 years old and over three years since his bone marrow transplant, is thriving—no longer debilitated by sickle cell anemia. He is eager to play sports and enjoys an active childhood.

The family continues to remain in close consultation with the CHRISTUS Children's team through in-person visits and coordinated care updates, which help them manage Olu's health.

Olu's checkups, including electrocardiograms, which monitor the heart's electrical activity, and other tests, help ensure that his body remains healthy and free from any issues related to the transplant. His energy and enthusiasm for play are clear signs of his improved health, bringing joy to his family as they see how happy he is.

Olu's story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of specialized hematology and oncology care and the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for children with sickle cell anemia. Olu’s future is bright, and Tolulope offers words of encouragement to other families facing similar challenges: If you find out your child has sickle cell anemia, it's important to know that there are sickle cell experts who can help you. We found that CHRISTUS Children's is a place where you can find every specialist your child needs to overcome this disease. They respect who you are, and they'll make sure they put an end to your child's pain.

The family's experience highlights the importance of faith, family support and the dedicated medical care they received at CHRISTUS Children's. Learn more about the specialized treatment for sickle cell anemia and bone marrow transplants offered at CHRISTUS Children's.

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