Dr. Ram Kalpatthi, MD

Expert Publications

• Prevalence and clinical correlates of microalbuminuria in children with sickle cell disease.
• Pulmonary function abnormalities and asthma are prevalent in children with sickle cell disease and are associated with acute chest syndrome.

Clinical Trials

• Hydroxyurea to Prevent Brain Injury in Sickle Cell Disease

Media Releases

Get to know Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist Dr. Ram Kalpatthi, who serves patients in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A distinguished figure in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology, Dr. Kalpatthi serves as a Visiting Associate Professor of Pediatrics and the Director of Pediatric Sickle Cell Research at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

One of his primary areas of expertise is in pediatric SCD. This debilitating disease predominantly affects the African-American population, a demographic often underserved and socio-economically disadvantaged. For over a century, SCD had limited treatment options until the last two decades, when a series of groundbreaking multi-center clinical trials revolutionized its care.

These trials opened up new opportunities for survival into adulthood for the majority of pediatric SCD patients in the United States. Dr. Kalpatthi played a pivotal role as a co-investigator in several of these influential trials, including the landmark BABY HUG study, which examined the effects of hydroxyurea on young children with SCD. His contributions in this field have significantly improved the outlook for countless young patients and their families.

In addition to his work on SCD, he has made significant contributions in the realm of ITP. Immune thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia in children, impacting individuals of all races. While many children with ITP naturally recover, around 10-15% of children and adolescents develop chronic refractory ITP, characterized by severe bleeding complications that can severely limit their quality of life. His expertise in managing these complex cases has been invaluable in providing individualized care to these young patients.

Before embarking on his professional journey, Dr. Kalpatthi received his medical degree from the Thanjavur Medical College in 1996. Upon relocating to the United States, he completed his residency in pediatrics at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in 2003. Finally, he completed his fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2006.

As a testament to his success, the doctor is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The mission of the ABP is to advance child health by certifying pediatricians who meet standards of excellence and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Dr. Kalpatthi’s influence extends beyond the realm of clinical research and patient care. He is a dedicated educator and mentor, known for his unwavering commitment to shaping the future of medicine. He has guided and inspired medical students, residents, and fellows in completing clinical research projects that have not only been published but also presented at prestigious national conferences. His mentees have received accolades, including outstanding abstract achievement awards, and many have had their work published in leading medical journals.

Pediatric oncology is a medical specialty focused on the care of children with cancer. A pediatric hematologist-oncologist is a physician who has special training and experience to diagnose and treat blood disorders and cancers in children, teens, and young adults.

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