Using Hydroxyurea to Treat Sickle Cell Anemia in Children in Africa

BrUOG 419 - Promoting Utilization and Safety of Hydroxyurea Using Precision in Africa (PUSHUP)

PHASE3 · Brown University · NCT05285917

This study is testing if hydroxyurea can safely help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa feel better and improve their treatment options.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorBrown University (other)
Locations1 site (Luanda)
Trial IDNCT05285917 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in treating sickle cell anemia in children aged 6 months to 12 years in Luanda, Angola. The study aims to implement a precision medicine approach by utilizing individualized dosing calculations and limited laboratory monitoring to improve treatment accessibility. By establishing evidence-based guidelines for hydroxyurea use in sub-Saharan Africa, the trial seeks to enhance the standard of care for children suffering from this condition. The trial will involve 400 participants and aims to address the barriers to hydroxyurea utilization in low-resource settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 months to 12 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hematologic toxicity or those who have used hydroxyurea or received blood transfusions in the past 6 months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the survival and quality of life for children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with hydroxyurea in treating sickle cell anemia, but this approach is tailored specifically for low-resource settings and may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (HbSS or HbS/B0-thalassemia)
* Age 6 months- 12 years of age at enrollment
* Parent or guardian willing and able to provide written or informed consent
* Weight ≥ 7.5 kg (temporary exclusion)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Splenomegaly with evidence of hypersplenism as defined by platelet count \<150,000, hemoglobin \<5 g/dL or absolute neutrophil count \<1.0 x10\^9/L
* Hydroxyurea use within the past 6 months
* Blood transfusion within the past 6 months (temporary exclusion)
* Pregnancy
* Pre-existing severe hematologic toxicity, as defined by platelet count \<80,000, hemoglobin \<4 regardless of ANC; hemoglobin \<6 AND ARC \<100; hemoglobin \<7 AND ARC \<80 x10\^9/L (temporary exclusion)

Where this trial is running

Luanda

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sickle Cell Anemia in Children, Sickle Cell Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.