Investigating the effects of hydroxyurea on 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-10696189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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) | $389,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD096559-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10696189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 2-9 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia living in Uganda.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 2-9 years or those without a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how hydroxyurea treatment can improve brain health and reduce the risk of strokes in children suffering from sickle cell anemia in Uganda. The study will involve children aged 2-9 years who will receive hydroxyurea therapy, with their health monitored over three years through various assessments, including brain imaging and cognitive tests. The researchers aim to identify how this treatment affects blood flow in the brain and overall cognitive function, as well as track changes in anemia and inflammation levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols that enhance brain health and reduce stroke risk in children with sickle cell anemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with hydroxyurea in managing sickle cell disease, particularly in reducing complications like stroke.
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 brain health in children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda
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.
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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.