Improving health outcomes in children with sickle cell disease through exclusive breastfeeding
Official title: Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Children with Sickle Cell Disease for Improved Health Outcomes
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10908428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exclusive breastfeeding can help improve the health of children with sickle cell disease by using the special benefits of breastmilk, and it aims to support families, especially African American women, in overcoming challenges to breastfeeding.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,776 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL159280-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those from African American backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with sickle cell disease or those who are older than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on promoting exclusive breastfeeding in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) to enhance their health outcomes. It investigates the protective properties of human breastmilk, which contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that may help reduce complications associated with SCD. The study aims to understand how exclusive breastfeeding can mitigate the chronic inflammation and oxidative stress that these children experience. By engaging with families and healthcare providers, the research seeks to improve breastfeeding rates among African American women, who face significant barriers to achieving recommended breastfeeding practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced complications for children with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that breastfeeding has protective health benefits, particularly in populations with chronic health conditions, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pernell, Brandi — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Pernell, Brandi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.