Investigating brain health in children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda
Official title: Burden and Risk of Neurological and Cognitive Impairment in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia in Uganda (BRAIN SAFE II)
Funded at Global Health Uganda, LTD · NIH-10855068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sickle cell anemia affects children's brains in Uganda, especially focusing on hidden brain injuries that can impact their thinking and increase stroke risk, while also testing a treatment called hydroxyurea to help protect their brains over two and a half years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Global Health Uganda, LTD NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kampala, Uganda) |
| Project start | September 11, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $132,434 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD096559-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10855068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 12 years old diagnosed with sickle cell anemia living in Uganda.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell anemia or are over the age of 12 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurological and cognitive challenges faced by children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda. It aims to identify silent cerebral infarcts, which are brain injuries that do not show obvious symptoms but can affect cognitive function and increase the risk of strokes. The study involves screening children for these brain injuries using advanced imaging techniques and exploring the effectiveness of hydroxyurea therapy over 2.5 years to prevent further brain damage. Additionally, it seeks to develop blood-based biomarkers for easier screening of cerebrovascular injuries in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and treatment strategies for children with sickle cell anemia, potentially enhancing their cognitive health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using hydroxyurea for managing sickle cell disease, but this specific approach focusing on silent cerebral infarcts in Uganda is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Global Health Uganda, LTD
Kampala, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Idro, Richard Iwa — Global Health Uganda, LTD
- Study coordinator: Idro, Richard Iwa
Related research
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Investigating the effects of hydroxyurea on brain health in children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda
This study is looking at how hydroxyurea treatment can help improve brain health and lower the chances of strokes in young children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda, and it will follow kids aged 2 to 9 over three years to see how the treatment affects their brain and overall health.
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Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Africa
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Hypoxemia during Sleep in Sickle Cell Disease: How Common is It and How Might Treatments Help
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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.