Investigating the effects of hydroxyurea on brain health in children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda

Burden and Risk of Neurological and Cognitive Impairment in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia in Uganda (BRAIN SAFE II)

NIH-funded research Global Health Uganda, LTD · NIH-10696189

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGlobal Health Uganda, LTD NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kampala, Uganda)
Project IDNIH-10696189 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 2-9 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia living in Uganda.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 2-9 years or those without a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promising results with hydroxyurea in managing sickle cell disease, particularly in reducing complications like stroke.

Where this research is happening

Kampala, Uganda

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.
Conditions Hb SS diseaseHbSS diseaseHemoglobin S DiseaseHemoglobin sickle cell diseaseHemoglobin sickle cell disorder
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.