Examining sleep and brain function in children with sickle cell disease
Official title: Peripheral Arterial Tonometry and Neurocognition in Sickle Cell Disease
Run by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NCT06477289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how sleep quality affects brain function in children with sickle cell disease by using special devices at home and tests at the clinic.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 16, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06477289 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 12-18 with any genotype of sickle cell disease who can participate in the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or those currently receiving treatment for sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and neurocognitive functioning in children aged 12-18 diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Participants will use remote peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) devices at home to assess sleep disordered breathing and complete questionnaires about their sleep behaviors. Following this, they will attend a clinic visit for neurocognitive assessments and neuroimaging. The study aims to understand how nocturnal oxygen levels relate to cognitive abilities while controlling for various factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of sleep-related issues in children with sickle cell disease, potentially enhancing their cognitive function and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into sleep disorders in sickle cell disease, this specific approach utilizing remote monitoring and neurocognitive assessments is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with sickle cell disease of any genotype * Participant in the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program * Between 12-25 years of age at the time of enrollment * English is the primary language * Access to an electronic device with WiFi Exclusion Criteria: * History of an intellectual disability * History of a traumatic brain injury or seizure disorder * History of a stroke * Undergoing potential curative treatment for SCD (stem cell transplant or gene therapy) * Currently prescribed an intervention for a sleep disorder * Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
Where it's running
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrew Heitzer, Phd — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Andrew Heitzer, PhD
- Email: referralinfo@stjude.org
- Phone: 888-226-4343
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.