Understanding brain function and injury in children with sickle cell anemia
Official title: The Impact of Cerebral Metabolic Stress on the Development of the Structural and Functional Connectome in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11076225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress on the body affects brain growth and thinking skills in kids with sickle cell anemia, even if they haven't had a stroke, to find ways to help them avoid long-term learning challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,617 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157188-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell anemia or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolic stress affects brain development and function in children with sickle cell anemia. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind cognitive decline in these children, even when they haven't had a stroke. By using advanced MRI techniques, the study will measure brain oxygen metabolism and connectivity to identify potential biomarkers for cognitive dysfunction. The goal is to develop better screening tools and interventions to prevent long-term disabilities in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments that enhance cognitive function and quality of life for children with sickle cell anemia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain function and injury in similar populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fields, Melanie Erin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fields, Melanie Erin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Hydroxyurea to help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa
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Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
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Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Africa
A safe and feasible use of hydroxyurea for young children with sickle cell disease in several African countries to reduce illness and improve daily life.
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Hypoxemia during Sleep in Sickle Cell Disease: How Common is It and How Might Treatments Help
This study looks at how low oxygen during sleep affects adults with sickle cell disease and how they respond to therapy across multiple urban and rural sites.
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Hypoxic red blood cells for sickle cell anemia using the Hemanext ONE system
A new approach using special low-oxygen red blood cells from the Hemanext ONE system is being tested to help adults and children with sickle cell anemia who rely on frequent transfusions.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Africa
A safety and feasibility pilot study tests giving hydroxyurea to young children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce illness and death.
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.