Using hydroxyurea to prevent strokes in children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria

Stroke Prevention in Nigeria: SPRING 2

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10741173

This study is looking at whether giving hydroxyurea to children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria can help prevent strokes, especially for those at higher risk, while also seeing if it helps with pain and reduces hospital visits.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10741173 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of hydroxyurea therapy for preventing strokes in children with sickle cell anemia living in Nigeria. It builds on previous findings from a randomized controlled trial that compared different doses of hydroxyurea and their impact on stroke incidence. The study will involve multiple centers and will focus on children who have abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities, indicating a higher risk of stroke. By treating these children with hydroxyurea, the research aims to determine if the stroke rates can be kept low while also assessing the therapy's impact on pain and hospitalizations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children with sickle cell anemia living in Nigeria who have abnormal TCD velocities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have sickle cell anemia or those without abnormal TCD velocities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of strokes in children with sickle cell anemia, improving their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that hydroxyurea is effective in reducing stroke risk in children with sickle cell anemia, indicating a promising approach for this research.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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 Hb SS diseaseHbSS diseaseHemoglobin S DiseaseHemoglobin sickle cell diseaseHemoglobin sickle cell disorder
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.