Understanding the Natural History of Sickle Cell Trait
Official title: Achieving Understanding of the Natural History of Sickle Cell Trait (AUNT)
Run by National Alliance for Sickle Cell Centers · NCT06071377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to learn more about Sickle Cell Trait by following people with it for two years to see how it affects their blood and if it leads to any health issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Alliance for Sickle Cell Centers Academic / other |
| Locations | 8 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 7 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06071377 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 who know or suspect they have Sickle Cell Trait and are willing to participate in the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with known end-stage renal disease, sickle cell disease, or those who do not have Sickle Cell Trait will 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 observational study aims to create a longitudinal cohort of individuals with Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) to better understand the hematologic characteristics associated with carrying HbS. It will assess variations in HbS levels and explore potential clinical complications related to SCT. Participants will provide biological specimens and undergo testing to confirm their SCT status over a two-year period. The study seeks to gather comprehensive data to enhance knowledge about SCT.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the health implications of Sickle Cell Trait, potentially leading to improved management and care for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While this study focuses on a specific aspect of Sickle Cell Trait, similar observational studies have provided valuable insights into related conditions, suggesting potential for meaningful findings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Are willing to voluntarily participate and sign the study consent 2. Know/suspect they have SCT and are willing to get tested to confirm/learn about their SCT status 3. Adults ages 18 and older Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unwilling to sign consent 2. Known end-stage renal disease or dialysis 3. Known SCD (including sickle cell-beta thalassemia) 4. People who do not have SCT
Where it's running
-
University of Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting -
Nemours Children's Hospital
Wilmington, Delaware, United States Recruiting -
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting -
Functional Fluidics
Detroit, Michigan, United States Recruiting -
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Show 2 more locations
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
UT Health Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julie Kanter, MD — National Alliance for Sickle Cell Centers
- Study coordinator: Julie Kanter, MD
- Email: jkanter@sicklecellcenters.org
- Phone: (202) 596-1548
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Bone health, muscle strength, and frailty in postmenopausal women of African descent with sickle cell trait
We will see if postmenopausal women of African descent who have sickle cell trait are more likely to have thinner bones, weaker muscles, or greater frailty than women without the trait.
-
Sickle Cell Kidney Sample Bank
This project will collect blood and urine from adults with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait to see if linked samples and medical records can help researchers learn how kidney disease starts and progresses.
-
Collecting blood samples to study sickle cell disease
This study is collecting blood samples from healthy people and those with sickle cell disease to see if new drugs can help stop red blood cells from sickling.
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.