Matching donor red blood cells by RH genotype for sickle cell disease patients
Official title: RH Genotype Matched Red Cell Transfusions for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Run by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · NCT04156893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if matching red blood cell transfusions to the RH genotype can help people with sickle cell disease who need regular transfusions feel better and have fewer complications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 6 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2020 |
| Main results expected | April 2029 |
| Study ends | October 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04156893 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals over 6 months old diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease who require chronic red cell transfusion therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with rare RH genotypes or those who are alloimmunized to the D antigen 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 Phase 1/2 trial aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using RH genotype-matched red blood cell transfusions for patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) who require chronic transfusions. The study will utilize RH genotyped donor units from the New York Blood Center, ensuring that patients receive transfusions that minimize foreign Rh protein exposure. Participants will be monitored for Rh alloantibody formation during their transfusion therapy, which will last up to three years. The trial seeks to improve upon the current standard of care by providing a higher level of red cell matching.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of alloimmunization and improve transfusion outcomes for patients with Sickle Cell Disease.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving transfusion compatibility and outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects age \>6 months * Diagnosis of SCD, all genotypes * Require a period of chronic red cell transfusion therapy * Subject/parental/guardian permission (informed consent) and if appropriate, child assent Exclusion Criteria: * Rare RH genotype that would preclude identification of sufficient RBC units * Antigen negative requirements due to alloimmunization that would preclude identification of sufficient RBC units * Alloimmunized to D antigen * Rh alloimmunized patients for whom providing RH genotype matched blood would expose the patient to an antigen that would not be consistent with standard of care and blood bank protocols * Parents/guardians or subjects who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures
Where it's running
-
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stella Chou, MD — Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Stella Chou, MD
- Email: chous@chop.edu
- Phone: 215-590-0947
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Examining Vitamin B12 Metabolism in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Using MEOPA
This study is testing how a medical gas used for pain relief affects vitamin B12 levels in children with sickle cell disease to see if it impacts their health.
-
Cerebrovascular Reactivity Testing with HD-DOT in Sickle Cell Patients
This study tests whether high-density diffuse optical tomography can measure brain blood flow and oxygen use in people with sickle cell disease, to see how these signals relate to stroke risk.
-
Adapting and testing PEN-Plus in Zambian primary care
Aiming to see if the PEN-Plus package can be adapted and used in two Zambian hospitals to better manage chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell in primary care.
-
Newborn Sickle Cell Screening in Mozambique
We’re testing a three-part plan to help babies in Mozambique get diagnosed early for sickle cell disease and start care quickly.
-
Optimizing Hydroxyurea in Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
This study tests whether raising hydroxyurea to a maximum tolerated dose is safe and beneficial for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia already taking a fixed daily dose.
-
Hematopoietic stem cell editing to treat sickle cell disease
This study tests whether a patient’s own blood stem cells can be edited to remove the sickle cell triggering gene and then returned to the patient.
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.