Clinical Trials

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited disease of the world affecting African and Caribbean populations. SCD is caused by the homozygous inheritance of the gene for sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Most patients with SCD develop abnormal pulmonary function characterized by airway obstruction, restrictive lung disease, abnormal diffusing capacity, hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension In healthy subjects, lung capillary blood volume (Qc) and membrane diffusing capacity (Dm) can be accurately measured by the nitric oxide-carbon monoxide (NO-CO) method.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of VIT-2763 on markers of hemolysis (breakdown in red blood cells) in sickle cell disease (SCD). The safety, tolerability and clinical beneficial effects of VIT-2763 for the treatment of SCD are also explored.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by recurrent vaso-occlusive pain crisis (VOC), which may evolve to acute chest syndrome (ACS), the most common cause of death among adult patients with SCD. Currently, there is no safe and effective treatment to abort VOC or prevent secondary ACS. Management of VOC mostly involve a symptomatic approach including hydration, analgesics, transfusion, and incentive spirometry, which was investigated in a very limited number of patients (\<30).

Given large absolute numbers of individuals with sickle cell disease in Nigeria, hydroxyurea therapy for all individuals with sickle cell disease may not be initially feasible; however, a targeted strategy of hydroxyurea use for primary prevention of strokes is an alternative to the standard therapy (observation) for high-risk individuals. The investigators propose a feasibility study, Sickle Cell Disease - Stroke Prevention in Nigeria (SPIN) Trial, to determine whether hydroxyurea can be used for primary prevention of strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.

pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been reported with a prevalence of approximately 30% in adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, with an increased mortality in SCD patients with PAH, compared with those without PAH. The identification of several hemolysis biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, reticulocytes or hemoglobin level, has clearly documented a link between hemolysis and PAH.

In sickle cell disease (SCD), polymerisation of haemoglobin S and the resulting shape change of the red blood cells (RBC) lead to vascular occlusion and severe painful crises. Permanent inflammatory state and abnormal RBC adhesion to the endothelium trigger these phenomenon. Hydroxyurea (HU) is the only drug that has been shown to reduce clinical severity of SCD, and this was initially attributed to the stimulation of foetal haemoglobin (HbF).

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from a substitution in the β chain of hemoglobin (Hb) which causes hemoglobin S to polymerize when deoxygenated. SCD patients present immune abnormalities that have always been attributed to functional asplenia. It it is now being recognized that patients with SCD have a pro-inflammatory condition with altered immune system activation contributing to the pathology of SCD. Increased levels of neutrophils, monocytes or cytokines have been reported in SCD patients.

Kidney disease is a major cause of illness and death in people with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Despite these concerning facts, we do not (1) have an in-depth understanding of how kidney disease starts in sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, (2) have detailed insights into why kidney disease is worse in people with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, (3) have management options that are tailored to treating or preventing kidney disease in people with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait.

The study participant is being asked to take part in this clinical trial, a type of research study, because the participant is a young child with sickle cell disease or the caregiver of a child with sickle cell disease. This study is being done to test a school readiness program for children with sickle cell disease (ages 3.5-6,5 years old).

Primary Objective

Assess feasibility and acceptability of an adapted school readiness intervention among preschool children (ages 3.5-6.5) diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Secondary Objectives

Objective 1:

This is a study testing the effects of behavioral sleep interventions on pain and brain function in sickle cell disease.