Longitudinal study on brain development in children with sickle cell disease
Official title: Brain Structure and Neurocognitive Development in Sickle Cell Disease; a Longitudinal Cohort Study (BRICK Study)
Run by Erasmus Medical Center · NCT05564845 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is trying to see how sickle cell disease affects brain development and thinking skills in children and teenagers over four years compared to healthy kids.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Erasmus Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rotterdam, South Holland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05564845 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 6-18 years diagnosed with sickle cell disease of any genotype.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior abnormal brain MRIs unrelated to sickle cell disease or those unable to provide informed consent 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 study evaluates the changes in brain structure and neurocognitive development in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years with sickle cell disease (SCD) over a four-year period. It aims to understand the relationship between brain structure, biomarkers, and cognitive functioning by comparing SCD patients with a healthy cohort. Participants will undergo MR scans, blood work, neurological examinations, and neuropsychological assessments to gather comprehensive data on brain health and cognitive abilities. The study seeks to identify the timing and nature of brain tissue damage in relation to other organ systems affected by SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive impairments in children with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on sickle cell disease exist, this longitudinal approach focusing on brain development is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with SCD of all genotype between 6 and 18 at baseline Exclusion Criteria: * Parents/ guardians (in case of minors) or patients themselves (\>16 years) unable to make an informed decision on participating in this study. * An abnormal brain MRI prior to initiation of the study due to non-SCD related causes. * Contraindications for brain MRI per protocol
Where it's running
-
Erasmus MC
Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands Recruiting -
Amsterdam University Medical Center
Amsterdam, Netherlands Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aida Kidane
- Email: a.kidanegebremeskel@erasmusmc.nl
- Phone: +3110-7036691
Similar studies
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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.