Understanding how the brain uses oxygen in sickle cell anemia patients
Official title: Cerebral oxygen extraction efficiency in patients with sickle cell anemia
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10901203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the brain uses oxygen in people with sickle cell anemia to understand why some may have silent strokes that could affect their thinking later on, and it aims to help doctors find those at greater risk for problems and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,370 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL174137-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, particularly those who may be at risk for silent cerebral infarcts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell anemia or those who do not have any neurological complications related to the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using advanced non-invasive MRI techniques to measure how effectively the brain extracts oxygen in individuals with sickle cell anemia. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover why some patients experience silent cerebral infarcts, which can lead to cognitive issues later in life. The approach involves detailed imaging to assess cerebral blood flow and oxygen utilization, providing insights into the unique vascular challenges faced by these patients. This could help identify those at higher risk for complications and guide treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better risk assessment and targeted therapies for patients with sickle cell anemia, potentially reducing the incidence of cognitive deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI techniques to study cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction in various populations, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in sickle cell anemia as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Alexander K — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Song, Alexander K
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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.