Using hydroxyurea to prevent strokes in children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
Official title: Stroke Prevention in Nigeria: SPRING 2
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10741173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $617,580 |
| NIH project number | 1U01NS129143-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children with sickle cell anemia living in Nigeria who have abnormal TCD velocities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell anemia or those without abnormal TCD velocities may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debaun, Michael R. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Debaun, Michael R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
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BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
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Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
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.