Using mobile health data to predict pain in children with sickle cell disease
Official title: Predicting Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Acute Pain Using Mathematical Models Based on mHealth Data
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10599401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help kids with sickle cell disease by using mobile health data to predict when they might have painful episodes, so they can get the right care at the right time and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | September 19, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $420,357 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE032583-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10599401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease who are experiencing acute pain episodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who are not in the pediatric age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop mathematical models that can predict acute pain episodes in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) by utilizing mobile health (mHealth) data. By analyzing real-time health information collected through mobile devices, the study seeks to identify patterns and precursors to pain episodes, allowing for better management and timely interventions. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of pain predictions, which could lead to improved pain management strategies and reduced reliance on opioids. This approach is designed to ultimately improve the quality of life for children suffering from SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies for children with sickle cell disease, reducing their reliance on opioids and improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using mobile health data for predicting health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective for managing pain in sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valrie, Cecelia R — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Valrie, Cecelia R
Related research
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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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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.