Improving emergency care for sickle cell pain crises

Sickle Cell Improvement: Enhancing Care in the Emergency Department

Not applicable Interventional Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05373771

This study is testing a new way to help kids with sickle cell pain crises get the right pain relief faster when they go to the emergency room.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment5328 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05373771 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) pain crises in emergency departments by implementing a structured care pathway. It focuses on ensuring timely administration of pain management as per established guidelines, which are often not followed due to various barriers, including structural racism. The intervention targets children with uncomplicated pain crises who receive opioids during their emergency visits. By addressing these issues, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children with sickle cell disease who present to the emergency department with uncomplicated pain crises and receive at least one opioid.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing complications such as acute chest syndrome, fever, priapism, or those with sickle cell trait may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for children suffering from sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have highlighted the importance of structured pain management protocols in emergency settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ED visit for uncomplicated pain crisis
* Sickle cell disease
* Receipt of at least one opioid

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute chest syndrome
* Fever \> 38.5 in the ED
* priapism
* sickle cell trait

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sickle Cell Crisis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.