Investigating how COVID-19 affects people with sickle cell disease
Official title: Epidemiology and Biosocial risk factors for adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in people with sickle cell disease : Analyses of national COVID surveillance registry
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11098655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects people with sickle cell disease, especially among African Americans, to better understand the risks and long-term symptoms they might face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 30, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,835 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD019336-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly those who are African American and have experienced COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who have not been affected by COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly focusing on African Americans who are disproportionately affected. By analyzing data from a national COVID surveillance registry, the study will explore both biological and social risk factors that contribute to severe outcomes in SCD patients. The research will also assess the prevalence of long-COVID symptoms in this population, addressing gaps in previous studies that lacked comprehensive data. Through a data-driven approach, the study seeks to provide a clearer picture of how COVID-19 interacts with SCD and other risk factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of COVID-19 in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially informing better treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on COVID-19 impacts in various populations, this research specifically targeting sickle cell disease and its unique interactions with COVID-19 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharathkumar, Anjali Alatkar — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Sharathkumar, Anjali Alatkar
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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.