Conditions We Treat

USC Hematology focuses on primary care and consultation services for patients in the following areas:

General Hematology and Anemia

(Low white blood cell counts, platelet problems, and abnormal hemoglobins)
USC Hematology has long been at the forefront of new advances for the diagnosis and management of low white blood cell counts, platelet problems, and abnormal hemoglobin. Anemia is the most common hematological problem today and is often an early manifestation of other medical problems. Our hematologists specialize in assessing and managing anemia, whether it is the result of an inherited disorder of blood synthesis, a drug reaction, or other medical problem. The USC program in sickle cell disease and other abnormal hemoglobin diseases has been a National Institutes of Health-designated Center of Excellence for more than 30 years.

Coagulation Disorders

(Excessive bleeding or abnormal clotting)
Conditions such as excessive bleeding or abnormal clotting are quite common and often go undiagnosed. These conditions can be life threatening and require consultation with deft and experienced diagnosticians. Our hematologists are skilled at analyzing the most complex coagulation problems and are known for their effective communication with patients and referring physicians. Our physicians expertly manage the use of clotting and anti-clotting agents such as vitamin K, plasma, heparin products, coumadin, and even aspirin. Physicians in the Division of Hematology are internationally recognized for their work in this area and can offer substantial help and direction.

Malignancies

(Leukemia/Lymphoma)
In years past, a diagnosis of leukemia was considered a death sentence. Our hematologists have been instrumental in changing that reality. Today, the USC Hematology offers numerous standard therapies and clinical trials for malignancies such as lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, acute and chronic leukemias, and myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders. The use of autologous bone marrow transplantation has become an extremely important option for treating many of these disorders, and our physicians are extremely adept at this process. Our faculty members are internationally recognized leaders in the care of patients with hematologic malignancies, giving our patients access to multiple treatment protocols including National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored trials.

AIDS-related Malignancies

Lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma frequently occur as stand-alone disorders or as complications arising from HIV infections. The faculty physicians of USC Hematology have been instrumental in analyzing these disorders and proposing treatments. They are acknowledged worldwide for their pioneering work in HIV and AIDS-related malignancies. Numerous standard therapies and innovative protocols, sponsored by the NCI and other organizations, are available to patients.

Transfusion Medicine

The overuse of blood transfusions in the United States is a growing clinical problem. Our hematologists are skilled at assessing the need for blood transfusions and are appropriately selective in using them. Their benchmark publications describing the overuse of blood transfusions have had a positive effect on blood banks, ensuring that transfusions are available to those patients who need them most. When deemed appropriate, however, our expert physicians will use pheresis and administer blood products to patients who require and will benefit from these therapies.

BMT Program

The USC adult allogeneic transplant program had its best 1 year survival surpassing its previous record of 80.10% set last year and out USC adult allogeneic transplant program had the best 1 year survival in the state of California for the third consecutive year. Our program has held the top spot in four of the past 5 years.

Resources

• National Cancer Institute
• HIV InSite
• KidsHealth
• FamilyDoctor.org
• HealthFinder.gov
• Medline Plus