Preventing strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia
Stroke Prevention in Nigeria: SPRING 2
Children in Nigeria who have sickle cell anemia and high-risk Doppler readings will receive hydroxyurea to help prevent strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11412216 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child has sickle cell anemia and an abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) scan, doctors at multiple sites in Nigeria would give hydroxyurea and follow them closely over time. This is an open-label, single-arm trial where all enrolled children receive the medicine and are monitored for strokes, painful crises, hospital visits, and side effects. The team builds on a prior randomized SPRING trial that found low stroke rates with hydroxyurea and aims to see if similar protection happens when treatment is used more broadly. Regular clinic visits and TCD monitoring are part of the plan so clinicians can track benefits and safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children in Nigeria with sickle cell anemia who have abnormal (high-risk) transcranial Doppler velocities, generally in the pediatric age range targeted by the trial, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children without sickle cell anemia, those with normal TCD velocities, or those who cannot take hydroxyurea due to medical contraindications are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could substantially reduce stroke risk and lower painful crises and hospitalizations for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria.
How similar studies have performed: A prior randomized SPRING trial showed much lower stroke rates with hydroxyurea in children with abnormal TCDs and guidelines already support this approach, so this trial is testing broader real-world use rather than a wholly new therapy.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debaun, Michael R. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Debaun, Michael R.
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 below.