Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center
Founded in 1977, the Pediatric Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center was one of the nation's first programs for children and families affected by hemophilia and other congenital blood clotting disorders (those present from birth). We provide our patients and their families with a full range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, genetic screening, counseling and education.
Our complete approach to care for both adult and pediatric patients has gained us recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a comprehensive hemophilia treatment center. We are also part of the Western States Regional Hemophilia Network, which promotes collaboration among hemophilia centers in California and neighboring states. 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 blood proteins called clotting factors that help stop or control bleeding. We provide advanced care for hemophilia A and B (also called factor VIII and factor IX deficiency, respectively).
Our center also offers care for other coagulation factor deficiencies, von Willebrand disease, congenital platelet disorders and related blood conditions. When patients seek evaluation for bleeding problems, we collaborate with the UCSF Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center to help ensure an accurate diagnosis. (HHT is one of the more common inherited bleeding disorders.) We also offer prenatal consultations to families with heritable bleeding disorders, as well as consultations for abnormal uterine bleeding or other hormonal concerns related to gender transition.
Young children and adolescents with thrombotic (clotting) disorders, including deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, can also receive expert care at our center. We help these patients navigate anticoagulation therapy, medications that prevent dangerous blood clots.
Because clotting and bleeding disorders can affect many aspects of a child's life, our team includes experts from multiple specialties. Our patients receive care not only from hematologists (blood specialists) but from nurse practitioners and nurses, social workers, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons. We develop individualized treatment plans for patients and families and provide opportunities to participate in clinical trials (studies to evaluate promising new therapies).
We also have an extensive patient education program, as well as partnerships with community support groups, to help patients and their families manage their own health, including by learning to administer infusion treatments at home.
Our locations (2)
Our team
-
Alison Matsunaga
MD
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist -
Shreya Agarwal
MD
Pediatric hematologist -
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 -
Shawn Norris
PT, MS
Physical therapist -
Patricia Tobase
DPT
Physical therapist -
Katrina Unpingco
FNP, MSN
Nurse practitioner -
Teresa Vazquez
MSW
Social worker -
Michelle Wright
LCSW, MSW
Social worker
Awards & recognition
-
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 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)
7
Hematology Clinic
Support services
Tender wagging care
Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.
Visit Child Life services