What are the common treatments for red blood cell disorders?

Treatments for red blood cell disorders vary widely depending on the cause of the disorder as well as the severity of the condition. 

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe any of these treatments:

• Nutritional supplements such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate
• Growth factors to stimulate bone marrow and boost production of red and white blood cells
• Blood transfusions to boost red blood cells levels in case of severe forms of anemia
• Platelet transfusions in case of problems related to blood clotting 
• Anticoagulants to prevent the blood from clotting too easily
• Chemotherapy to destroy abnormal cells
• Gene therapy to replace or deactivate a disease-causing gene or to introduce a disease-fighting gene
• Corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin to suppress the immune system 
• Hydroxyurea therapy for sickle cell disease