Using zinc to prevent infections in children with sickle cell anemia

Zinc for Infection Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia-2

PHASE2; PHASE3 · Indiana University · NCT06561061

This study is testing if giving zinc to young children with sickle cell anemia can help prevent them from getting serious infections.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2; PHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages12 Months to 59 Months
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University (other)
Locations1 site (Jinja)
Trial IDNCT06561061 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of zinc in reducing the incidence of severe or invasive infections in Ugandan children aged 1 to 4 years with sickle cell anemia. Participants will receive either a daily oral dose of zinc (20 mg) or a placebo for a duration of six months. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of infections from all causes during the study period. The trial is designed to provide insights into the potential role of zinc supplementation in improving health outcomes for these children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Ugandan children aged 1 to 4 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.

Not a fit: Patients with other chronic medical conditions or severe malnutrition may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the risk of infections in children with sickle cell anemia, improving their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with zinc supplementation in reducing infection rates in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Documented sickle cell anemia (HbSS supported by hemoglobin electrophoresis)
* Age range of 1.00-4.99 years, inclusive, at the time of enrollment
* Weight at least 5.0 kg at the time of enrollment
* Willingness to comply with all study-related treatments, evaluations, and follow-up
* Children whose parents or guardians give full written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known other chronic medical condition (e.g., HIV, malignancy, active clinical tuberculosis)
* Severe malnutrition determined by impaired growth parameters as defined by WHO (weight for length/height or height for age z-score \<-3, using WHO growth standards)
* Absolute neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count \<500)

Where this trial is running

Jinja

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 Disease, Zinc, All-cause infections

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.