NCT05213572 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Observational Study to Deeply Phenotype Major Organs in Sickle Cell Disease After Curative Therapies
What this study is about
Background: People with sickle cell disease (SCD) have problems with their heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs as they age. These problems may improve after transplant. Researchers want to learn how and why this happens. Objective: To study the benefits of treatments that are intended to cure SCD.
View original scientific description
Background: People with sickle cell disease (SCD) have problems with their heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs as they age. These problems may improve after transplant. Researchers want to learn how and why this happens. Objective: To study the benefits of treatments that are intended to cure SCD. Eligibility: People aged 18 and older with SCD who are either receiving curative therapy in the next 3 months or don t have any plans to receive a curative therapy in the next 2 years. Design: At their first visit, participants will be screened with their medical history and a physical exam. Participants will then have a baseline visit. This will take about a week to complete and will include: Blood and heart tests MRI of the brain, heart, and lungs. Participants will lie on a bed that will move into the MRI scanner. Special padding may be placed around their head to keep it still. Interactive games. Participants will complete computer games that test memory, attention, problem solving, language, spatial orientation, processing speed, and emotion. Questionnaire rating quality of life Iothalamate test. An IV catheter will be placed into a vein. A contrast agent will be injected through the IV. Blood will then be collected at different time points. Lung function tests and a 6-minute walk test Vibration controlled transient elastography. A probe placed on the abdomen will measure liver scarring. DOS test. A light attached to the finger or toe will measure blood oxygen. Participants will have an end-of-study visit about 2 years after their baseline visit. This will include repeats of the baseline visit tests.
Primary outcome measures
Change in LVEDV/BSA in patients with SCD who undergo curative therapies as compared to patients who receive non-curative treatment
Time frame: 2 years after initial testing
Evaluate whether diastolic function improves significantly more in patients who receive curative therapies as compared to those who receive non-curative treatment.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- Male or female, aged \>=18 years
- Patients with current or previous diagnosis of any type of SCD (including HbSS, HbSC, HbSbeta0-thal, HbSbeta+-thal) who:
- plan to receive an allogeneic HCT or gene therapy, Or
- are receiving non-curative treatment (standard of care or investigational) and who do not plan to receive an allogeneic HCT or gene therapy
- Ability to travel to the NIH Clinical Center
- Ability of subject to understand a written informed consent document.
- At least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- History of stroke or abnormal transcranial doppler examination (\>= 200 m/s)
- History of SCD-related renal insufficiency defined as a creatinine level \>=1.3 mg/dL and kidney biopsy consistent with sickle cell nephropathy OR nephrotic syndrome OR creatinine clearance \< 50mL/min
- Tricuspid regurgitant velocity \>= 2.5 m/s
- Recurrent tricorporal priapism defined as at least 2 episodes of an erection lasting \> 4 hours involving the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosa
- SCD-associated liver disease defined as EITHER ferritin \> 1000 mcg/L OR direct bilirubin \> 0.4 mg/dL
- \> 1 hospitalization per year for vaso-occlusive crises while on a therapeutic dose of hydroxyurea
- Any acute chest syndrome while on a therapeutic dose of hydroxyurea
- Osteonecrosis of 2 or more joints
- Red cell alloimmunization
Exclusion criteria
- All individuals meeting any of the exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from study participation.
- Prior transplantation (including but not limited to HSCT and kidney transplant)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients with allergy to iodine or iodinated contrast solutions will not undergo Iothalamate or Iohexal GFR clearance testing but can undergo the other deep phenotype testing
- Implanted metal object that is not compatible with MRI (e.g.: cerebral aneurysm clip, cochlear implant, or pacemaker)
- Patients with a pacemaker or automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator will not undergo VCTE but can enroll and undergo the other deep phenotype testing as long as the device is compatible with MRI and MRI testing can be performed
- Patients requiring peritoneal or hemodialysis
- Uncontrolled infection or acute illness
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations