To qualify, your child would need a bone marrow donor providing a match with a low risk of being rejected. Even then, there are significant risks to the procedure, and there's always the chance of rejection of the transplanted marrow. Even without a cure, children with sickle cell anemia can lead relatively normal lives. Thanks to penicillin, babies with sickle cell anemia are much more likely to live longer, healthier lives. Infants and children with sickle cell anemia usually require two daily doses of penicillin, as prescribed by their doctors, until they are at least 5 years old.
Most doctors also prescribe daily vitamin supplements for children with sickle cell anemia.
Folic acid, in particular, can help produce new red blood cells. Hydroxyurea is a relatively new drug for people with sickle cell anemia. This helps decrease the number and intensity of painful episodes and other complications. Although the drug has been shown to decrease pain in children as well as adults, more research is needed to determine the drug's long-term effects. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.