Understanding pain severity in sickle cell disease
Official title: Predictors of Pain Severity and Pain-Related Outcomes in Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10904941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what might cause different levels of pain in people with sickle cell disease, so doctors can better help those who are at risk for severe pain and find new ways to manage it without using opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $135,189 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL169339-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those experiencing varying levels of pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who do not experience pain related to the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that predict pain severity and related outcomes in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). By using a prospective, longitudinal study design, the research aims to identify psychological and sensory predictors of pain outcomes. The study will help clinicians better understand which patients are at risk for severe pain, thereby improving management strategies and informing clinical trials for non-opioid pain interventions. The findings could lead to more personalized care for patients suffering from SCD-related pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and better quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying psychological and sensory factors as predictors of pain outcomes in chronic pain conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenney, Martha Obeng — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kenney, Martha Obeng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
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Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
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How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.