Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
Official title: Stroke Prevention in Nigeria: SPRING 2
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11629280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $372,122 |
| NIH project number | 3U01NS129143-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11629280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with sickle cell anemia and abnormal TCD velocities living in Nigeria who would be treated with hydroxyurea.
✕Less likely to help
Children without abnormal TCD velocities or without access to hydroxyurea monitoring may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will enroll children with sickle cell anemia and abnormal transcranial Doppler speeds in Nigeria to receive hydroxyurea in a multicenter, open-label design. Building on a prior trial, it compares dosing to see if stroke risk stays low while reducing painful crises and hospital visits. The study is conducted as a single-arm type I hybrid trial, aiming to show non-inferiority to previous SPRING results in real-world settings. Participation will involve regular follow-up, blood tests, and assessments to monitor safety and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children may experience fewer strokes and fewer painful episodes, with potential improvements in quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous SPRING trial showed reduced stroke incidence and fewer hospitalizations with hydroxyurea, supporting safety and potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debaun, Michael R. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Debaun, Michael R.
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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.