Investigating arginine therapy for children with sickle cell disease

Patient-Oriented Research in Arginine Deficiency Syndromes

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10903987

This study is looking at whether a nutritional supplement called arginine can help kids with sickle cell disease feel better during painful episodes and improve their overall health, with the hope of reducing their need for stronger pain medications and hospital visits.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903987 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on evaluating the effects of arginine therapy in children suffering from sickle cell disease, particularly during painful episodes. The approach includes conducting randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials to assess how arginine, a nutritional supplement, can improve pain management and overall health outcomes. The study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of arginine therapy, with the potential to reduce the need for opioids and shorten hospital stays for affected children. The research also explores the impact of arginine on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience pain crises.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to sickle cell disease or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and reduced hospitalizations for children with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with arginine therapy in improving pain management and reducing opioid use in children with sickle cell disease.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.