Understanding spleen health in children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: Sickle Cell Anemia, Splenic Pathology, and Hydroxyurea in Sub-Saharan Africa
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10873120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sickle cell anemia affects the spleen in children living in sub-Saharan Africa, especially since they often have an enlarged spleen, and it will check how this changes before and after they take a medicine called hydroxyurea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,560 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL153763-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia living in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell anemia or those living outside of sub-Saharan Africa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health of the spleen in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) living in sub-Saharan Africa, where they often experience an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) rather than the atrophy seen in U.S. children. The study aims to explore the causes and effects of this condition, particularly before and after treatment with hydroxyurea, a medication used to manage SCA. By using advanced imaging techniques and laboratory tests, researchers will assess both the size and function of the spleen in a large group of children. The findings could provide valuable insights into how splenomegaly affects health outcomes in these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for children with sickle cell anemia, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on sickle cell anemia in various populations, this specific investigation into splenomegaly in sub-Saharan African children is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smart, Luke — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Smart, Luke
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Hydroxyurea to help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa
A pediatric study tests hydroxyurea treatment for young children with sickle cell anemia in several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and improve health.
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Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
A pilot study tests hydroxyurea in young children with sickle cell disease across several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and hospital visits.
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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.
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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.