Understanding brain blood flow and metabolism in children
Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism in Children
This study is trying to see how blood flow and metabolism in the brain affect development in children, especially those with sickle cell disease and stroke, by using advanced MRI techniques.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT04157179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to investigate how changes in blood flow and metabolism affect brain development in children, particularly those with sickle cell disease and cerebral stroke. Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study will measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to identify biomarkers indicative of brain tissue at risk for injury. The study will involve both healthy controls and participants with specific medical histories to compare their brain responses under metabolic stress. The methodology includes the use of a specialized MRI-compatible device to safely administer carbon dioxide during imaging.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 3-50 years with sickle cell anemia, a history of ECMO, or healthy controls without significant medical histories.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric histories, epilepsy, or cerebrovascular diseases 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 disease and other conditions affecting cerebral oxygen delivery.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar imaging techniques in related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Healthy Controls: * Healthy controls ages 3-50 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 3-50 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 Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Survivors: * Ages 3-50 years of age * History of cannulation for ECMO * Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation * Not currently pregnant * Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Washington University of St. Louis — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristin 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.