Understanding how oxygen supply affects brain development in children with sickle cell anemia

The role of metabolic and hemodynamic reserve in age-related brain vulnerability in pediatric sickle cell anemia

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11045650

This study is looking at how the way oxygen is used in the brain affects children with sickle cell anemia, especially regarding their brain growth and development, to help improve their care and health outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045650 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the balance between oxygen supply and demand in the brain impacts children with sickle cell anemia, particularly focusing on their brain growth and development. The study will assess metabolic and hemodynamic reserves in healthy children and explore how these reserves are affected by low oxygen levels. By examining these factors, the research aims to uncover the physiological mechanisms that make children with sickle cell anemia more vulnerable to brain impairment. The findings could help optimize care and improve neurological outcomes for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with sickle cell anemia or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting brain development in children with sickle cell anemia.

How similar studies have performed: While the intersection of hypoxemia and brain development in children with sickle cell anemia is not extensively studied, preliminary data suggest that understanding these mechanisms could lead to significant advancements in care.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

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 Acquired brain injury
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.