Understanding blood flow and metabolism in children with sickle cell anemia
The Role of Metabolic and Hemodynamic Reserve in Age-Related Brain Vulnerability in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia
This study is trying to see how blood flow and metabolism affect brain development in children with sickle cell anemia compared to healthy kids.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT04406818 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research focuses on how changes in blood flow and metabolism affect brain development in children with sickle cell anemia compared to healthy controls. The study will utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain blood flow and metabolism, examining how these factors vary with age and during different activities. By comparing children with sickle cell anemia who have experienced brain infarcts to those who have not, the study aims to uncover potential impacts on cortical thickness and overall brain health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 4-21 years with sickle cell anemia or healthy controls without significant medical history.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric history, epilepsy, or cerebrovascular disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of brain health in children with sickle cell anemia.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored brain health in sickle cell anemia, but this specific approach using MRI to assess metabolic and hemodynamic reserve is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Healthy Controls: * Healthy controls ages 4-21 years of age * Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation * Not currently pregnant * No significant psychiatric history, defined as having a severe psychiatric diagnosis, per PI discretion * No history of epilepsy * No history of stroke or cerebrovascular disease * May have occasional headaches if not taking a daily preventative medication for headaches * Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil Sickle Cell Anemia Participants: * Ages 4-21 years of age * Hb SS or SBeta-thal * Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation * Not currently pregnant * Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil * No known vasculopathy
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristin P Guilliams, MD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kristin P Guilliams, MD
- Email: kristinguilliams@wustl.edu
- Phone: 3144546120
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.