Understanding brain blood flow and metabolism in children
Official title: Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism in Children
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT04157179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 17, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04157179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant psychiatric histories, epilepsy, or cerebrovascular diseases 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 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.
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 gone: Other studies have explored similar imaging techniques in related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Washington University of St. Louis
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristin Guilliams, MD
- Email: kristinguilliams@wustl.edu
- Phone: 3144546120
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
-
Virtual reality options to help with VOC pain in adults with SCD
This study tests whether headset-based virtual reality can help reduce pain for adults with sickle cell disease during vaso-occlusive crises treated in an infusion center.
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.