Affordable screening for stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease

Affordable Shortwave Infrared Spectroscopy for Stroke Risk Screening in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

NIH-funded research Kennesaw State University · NIH-10730967

This study is looking for a simple and affordable way to check if children with sickle cell disease are at risk for strokes, using a new method that could help catch problems early and keep them safe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKennesaw State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kennesaw, United States)
Project IDNIH-10730967 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a cost-effective and non-invasive method to screen for stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). The current standard screening method, transcranial ultrasound doppler (TCD), is expensive and not widely available in low-resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa. The new approach involves using shortwave infrared spectroscopy to measure cerebral blood flow, which could help identify children at risk for stroke much earlier. By improving access to screening, the research aims to facilitate timely interventions that could prevent strokes in this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children with sickle cell disease, particularly those living in low-resource settings where current screening methods are not accessible.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those living in high-resource settings with access to existing screening methods may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of strokes in children with sickle cell disease by enabling early detection and intervention.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that innovative screening methods can effectively reduce stroke risk in similar populations, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Kennesaw, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Hb SS diseaseHbSS diseaseHemoglobin S DiseaseHemoglobin sickle cell diseaseHemoglobin sickle cell disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.