
Hemophilia Treatment Center
Founded in 1977, UCSF's Pediatric Hemophilia Treatment Center was one of the first programs in the U.S. for children and families affected by hemophilia and other congenital blood-clotting disorders. We provide a full range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, genetic screening, counseling and education to our patients and their families.
That comprehensive approach to care has gained us recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a specialized health care center for hemophilia caring for both adult and pediatric patients – one of only 130 such centers in the country. Our research has contributed to advances in treating complications of the disease.
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. A child with the disease lacks special proteins in the blood called clotting factors that help stop or reduce bleeding. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Someone with a mild case may only learn about a bleeding problem after a serious injury or surgery. Someone with a severe case can bleed from slight injuries or even suffer painful spontaneous bleeding into the joints and muscles.
Because a clotting disorder like hemophilia can affect many aspects of a child's life, we include experts from multiple specialties. Our team includes hematologists (blood specialists); orthopedic surgeons; nurse practitioners and nurses; social workers; dentists; and physical therapists – all of them leaders in the field. We develop individualized care plans for patients and families and provide opportunities to participate in clinical trials of new therapies. We also have an extensive patient education program, to help patients and their families manage their health and perform home infusions of clotting product.
Our locations (2)
Our team
-
Alison Matsunaga
MD
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist -
Kristin A. Shimano
MD
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist -
Sylvia Singer
MD
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist -
Madhav Vissa
MD, MS
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist -
Mary B. Lesh
PNP, CNS, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Patricia Tobase
DPT
Physical therapist -
Michelle Wright
LCSW, MSW
Social worker
Awards & recognition
-
Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
- Completed medical forms that we will mail to you ahead of time
Related clinics (5)
Support services
Fetal surgery firsts
The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.
