NCT06139510 · Duke University
Predictors of Pain in Sickle Cell Disease
What this study is about
Sickle cell disease is a painful inherited disorder that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, and more than half of these individuals develop chronic or persistent pain that is often severe and disabling. The factors that predict whether an individual with sickle cell disease will develop severe, disabling pain are unclear.
View original scientific description
Sickle cell disease is a painful inherited disorder that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, and more than half of these individuals develop chronic or persistent pain that is often severe and disabling. The factors that predict whether an individual with sickle cell disease will develop severe, disabling pain are unclear. The goal of this project is to identify the factors that predict severe pain outcomes in individuals living with sickle cell disease in order to improve pain management strategies and guide future studies of non-opioid therapies for treatment of their pain. Participants who agree to enroll in this study will be asked to participate in a virtual and then an in-person study visit for their full initial study assessment. They will answer survey questions during the virtual visit, and will be asked to complete several types of standard testing to understand how their body handles pain during the in-person visit. After completing the virtual and in-person sessions, participants will receive text or electronic medical record messages with brief survey (will take less than 8 minutes to complete) on their pain experiences every three months until the study is completed (or up to 48 months for people who are enrolled at the beginning of the study).
Interventions
OTHER
Quantitative sensory testing
All participants enrolled in the study will undergo standardized testing called quantitative sensory testing. Quantitative sensory testing measures changes in sensitivity to different type of sensations that include temperature, touch or pressure. QST is not an intervention, it is a method that is used to assess and understanding pain processing in an individual.
Primary outcome measures
Change in pain pain severity
Time frame: At baseline and every three months while enrolled in the study, up to 48 months
Will be determined by answering the severity subscale of the Brief Pain Inventory
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
- Diagnosis of sickle cell disease (documentation of SS, SC, S beta + thalassemia, S beta + thalassemia) is required
- Participants must have had at least one sickle cell related pain episode that required treatment with opioids at home or in the hospital 12 months prior to recruitment
- Participants who are on chronic analgesics (NSAID, acetaminophen) or opioids should be on a stable dose for 4 weeks prior to recruitment.
Exclusion criteria
- Age less than 15 or greater than 40 years
- Participants lacking the cognitive or mental capacity to assent to and complete study procedures
- Pregnant females
- Participants with history of a stroke with ongoing physical impairment that prevents participation in study procedures.
- Participants with history of severe vaso-occlusive pain crisis resulting in either evaluation in an emergency department or admission to a hospital two weeks prior to study enrollment.
- Current or active infection
- Any condition that the principle investigator considers would preclude or bias participation in the study, such as (1) neuropathy from diabetes or other causes, (2) active avascular necrosis requiring treatment for pain
Where
- Durham, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
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 May 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations