Supportive Specialty Services

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  • Endocrinology:

Endocrinopathies are associated with Thalassemia due to iron overload in endocrine glands which include pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal gland, bones, ovary and testis. Acute and late endocrine problems (poor growth, thyroid dysfunction, pubertal and menstrual issues, osteoporosis, obesity, blood glucose abnormalities) are seen in cancer patients due to the effect of cancer itself or its treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Hence long-term care for all such patients include surveillance for endocrine complications.

All patients with Thalassemia are clinically assessed for growth parameters (weight, height and body mass index) and examined for the onset and progression of puberty. Regular/annual lab assessment of Blood sugar, Thyroid, Pubertal, Adrenal and Bone profiles are carried out.

Also, children with cancer, those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant and survivors undergo endocrine evaluation on regular basis.

  • Nephrology:

Children with cancer and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant receive chemotherapy drugs which could be nephrotoxic and hence need nephrology evaluation before, during and after completion of therapy.

During their stay in the hospital, patients are evaluated for all acute kidney issues if any and after discharge monitored for long term renal toxicity during follow up visits.

Patients with Thalassemia are known to have renal hyperfiltration, hypercalciuria, and albuminuria. Regular monitoring for renal dysfunction is essential to administer iron chelation therapy. As part of comprehensive care all children with Thalassemia undergo regular renal evaluation.

  • Audiometry:

We provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic and rehabilitative hearing services for children with cancers and blood disorders.

The services offered are:

  • Pure Tone Audiometry
  • Otoscopic examination
  • Conditioning Play Audiometry
  • Vestibular Assessment (subjective)
  • Hearing aid counselling 
  • Assessment of Speech, balance and hearing disorders

In children and adults with Thalassemia, regular monitoring for hearing impairment related to chelators is provided at our Centre.

  • Radiology

Digital X ray services and ultrasonography is available at the Centre for all registered patients.

  • Cardiology 

Cardiac evaluation is important for all children with cancers and those undergoing HSCT. In addition, patients with Thalassemia often develop cardiac complications related to iron overload and/or chronic anemia requiring period cardiac monitoring.

  • Dermatology

Dermatology services are an important component for management of post transplant complications as well as for any skin issues in children with cancers and blood disorders.

  • Pediatric Surgery

Central venous access device (Hickman, Mahurkar, PICC) insertions and minor surgical procedures when needed are performed for children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants in our operation theatre. 

  • Gastro-enterology

Gastroenterological services in the form of GI scopy, hepatic evaluation, management of any GI complication arising during chemotherapy or BMT are offered to children with cancer, thalassemia and those undergoing BMT.