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Release Date: May 15, 2026
Sadiq Siwoku, an international university student from Nigeria, arrived at Peking University International Hospital in Beijing in April, after unsuccessfully seeking treatment across multiple hospitals in China.
Hematologists Dr. HU Wenqing and Dr. Shi Lin with Sadiq during morning rounds
Sadiq has lived with the challenging symptoms of sickle cell since his early twenties, experiencing debilitating localized and generalized pain episodes that can last up to seven days and occur approximately every four months. His medical history also includes a recent kidney transplant in April 2025, a complication stemming from an injection received many years prior. His arrival at the hospital was supported by a pre-arranged treatment plan from the Embassy of Nigeria, coordinated through his personal doctor, ensuring a seamless transition into critical care.
What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are round, flexible discs that move easily through blood vessels, carrying oxygen throughout the body. However, in individuals with sickle cell anemia, a genetic mutation causes these cells to become rigid, sticky, and crescent-shaped, resembling the shape of a farming tool – a sickle.
Comparison of healthy blood cells and the consistency of blood cells with someone having sickle cell disease (SCD)
This abnormal shape and rigidity prevent the sickle cells from flowing smoothly through small blood vessels. Instead, they can clump together, blocking blood flow and depriving tissues and organs of essential oxygen. This blockage leads to the characteristic pain crises, organ damage, and other severe complications associated with the disease.
Sickle cell anemia is inherited when a child receives two copies of the sickle cell gene—one from each parent. If a child inherits only one copy, they have sickle cell trait, which typically does not cause symptoms but means they can pass the gene to their offspring. Sickle cell disease, while not common in China, affects millions globally, with an estimated 7.74 million people living with the condition in 2021 (WHO 2025). The highest prevalence is found in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and the Middle East (Kumar 2024). Approximately 80% of all sickle cell disease cases are believed to occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria recording the highest incidence worldwide, accounting for nearly 2% of all births with the defect (WorldAtlas 2025). In the United States, sickle cell disease primarily affects individuals of African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent, with over 90% of affected individuals being non-Hispanic Black or African American (CDC 2024).
From Emergency to Inpatient Care：Stabilizing Sadiq
Upon his arrival at Peking University International Hospital on a Monday, Sadiq was immediately admitted to the Emergency Room. The medical team swiftly initiated stabilization protocols and comprehensive pain management to address his acute symptoms. Following successful stabilization, he was transferred to an inpatient ward on Tuesday evening, marking a crucial step in his ongoing treatment journey.
Hematology Ward Treatment Plan: Personalized Approach
Beginning Wednesday morning, Sadiq's care transitioned to the Hematology Ward, where a detailed and personalized treatment plan was implemented. This plan meticulously considered his unique medical history, particularly the impact of his previous kidney transplant, and aimed to manage his sickle cell crisis effectively.
I. Medical Assessment
• Previous Kidney Transplant: A recent kidney transplant in Nigeria in April 2025 significantly influenced Sadiq's treatment. Doctors needed to balance the possible kidney harm and the benefit of all acesodyne (pain) medication, and to avoid the ongoing deterioration of his already damaged renal function. The treatment required massive fluid infusion without increasing the burden on his heart.
• Symptoms and Challenges: Sadiq presented with pain in his knee and both lower legs almost continuously, with only a few hours of relief after medication. Because of the pain he sometimes experienced poor sleep quality. To address these issues, the medical team arranged consultations from specialists in pain management and sleep therapy to control the acute symptoms associated with sickle cell disease.
• Medical Team and Communication: His care included a dedicated team of specialists from the Hematology Department, including Dr. HU Wenqing, Dr. ZHANG Meixiang and Dr. SHI Lin. A team of nurses provided treatments, pain management and constant communication through round-the-clock service while in the Hematology ward.
II. Treatment Plan
• Blood Draw and Blood Transfusion: Blood transfusions are a cornerstone of sickle cell crisis treatment. The team coordinated with blood transfusion department to draw his blood and provide Sadiq with a course of three blood transfusions during his hospitalization. The blood transfused to him accounted about one third or fourth of his blood volume.
• PICC Method for Access: Due to challenges with his small veins, which was unfavorable for blood drawing and transfusion, a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) was utilized.
Visual of a PICC line, which is made of thick flexible tubing whereby a patient receives treatments through the veins, and is recommended for patients with smaller veins
Successful Outcome & Bright Future
Sadiq Siwoku's successful treatment at Peking University International Hospital is a testament to the seamless interdepartmental communication and rapid response of the medical team, who acted swiftly from his ER arrival to inpatient care. The hospital's specialists meticulously reviewed his medical history, including his recent kidney transplant in Nigeria, and adeptly adapted his existing treatment approach to the resources and protocols available in China. This collaborative and patient-centric strategy ensured Sadiq received consistent, high-quality care tailored to his complex needs.
As Sadiq prepares to return to his studies in Hangzhou, we extend our best wishes for his continued health and academic success.
Two weeks post-discharge: Sadiq returns for routine checkups as he prepares to resume his academic life
Emergency Department
The Emergency Department of Peking University International Hospital was formally established in 2015, occupying a total area of 3,800 square meters. It is composed of the Emergency Internal Medicine Unit, Emergency Surgery Unit, Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, and Emergency Specialized Clinics (such as ENT and Ophthalmology). The department includes six consultation rooms for internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and specialized care, one wound care room, one plaster (casting) room, and two emergency operating rooms.
Currently, the Emergency Department has a total of 21 beds, including 10 resuscitation beds (expandable to 15 in critical situations), 10 observation beds (expandable to 30 if needed), and 1 isolation bed. Over the past seven years since its opening, the annual outpatient visits have risen steadily, reaching 60,000 in 2019, with over 7,000 patient resuscitations and extended observations.
The department employs nearly 20 medical professionals, including specially appointed professors, associate chief physicians, attending physicians, and resident doctors. As a member unit of the Department of Emergency Medicine of Peking University, it possesses extensive experience in managing various acute and critical conditions, particularly severe cases involving elderly patients.
Dr. QIN Yuhong
Associate Chief Doctor
Professional Summary
Dr. QIN is highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of various critical and life-threatening conditions in the emergency department, with particular expertise in acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He also has extensive experience in treating venomous snake and insect bites, as well as animal bites and stings.
Career Background
Master of Emergency Medicine, PhD in Cardiology, and Associate Chief Physician. With over 20 years of clinical experience in emergency medicine, Dr. QIN is highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of various critical and life-threatening conditions in the emergency department. He has conducted in-depth research on acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and possesses extensive experience in treating venomous snake and insect bites, as well as animal bites and stings. These include cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, arrhythmias, acute respiratory failure, drowning, severe trauma, various types of shock, acute stroke, diabetic complications, chemical poisoning, and bites and stings from venomous snakes, insects, and fish; and is proficient in the use of various emergency medications.
Proficient in performing CPR, endotracheal intubation, central venous catheterization, closed-chest thoracostomy, pericardiocentesis, temporary transvenous pacing, mechanical ventilation, and other procedures; possesses extensive experience in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and syncopal disorders.
Academic and Professional Positions
Hematology Department
The Department of Hematology at Peking University International Hospital was established in 2014 as one of the hospital's earliest founding departments and remains a key discipline. Currently, there are over 40 chemotherapy beds and 18 transplant isolation rooms.
The team comprises more than 10 members including a chief physician, associate chief physicians, attending physicians, and technicians. The nursing staff for both chemotherapy and transplant wards totals approximately 30, with over half holding bachelor's degrees. The department maintains a well-structured talent pipeline, with all team members completing comprehensive training within the Peking University Health Science Center system. They possess solid medical theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical experience.
The Department of Hematology specializes in hematology neoplasms, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, with a focus on precise diagnosis and treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The hematology laboratory conducts a wide range of diagnostic tests and laboratory analyses. Additionally, the department possesses extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating benign hematologic disorders, including bone marrow failure syndromes, various anemias, thrombocytopenic disorders, and bleeding/clotting disorders.
Dr. HU Wenqing
Associate Chief Doctor
Professional Summary
Diagnosis, treatment, and differential diagnosis of various benign and malignant hematological diseases; Autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Career Background
Academic and Professional Positions
References
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