Stroke Prevention With Hydroxyurea Enabled Through Research and Education (SPHERE)
Sickle Cell Anemia in Children
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Sickle Cell Anemia in Children focused on measuring Sickle Celll Anemia, Transcranial Doppler, Tanzania, Hydroxyurea, Stroke
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Willingness to sign informed consent
- Willingness to follow all study procedures
- Available for study visits for the duration of the study and no plans to move away from study center.
- Confirmed diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) by haemoglobin electrophoresis.
- Able to take oral medication and follow hydroxyurea treatment schedule.
Exclusion Criteria:
There are no permanent exclusion criteria for participants to enroll in the screening TCD portion of SPHERE. Temporary, time-limited exclusion criteria for the screening TCD portion include the following:
- Febrile illness within the past two weeks. (Temporary Exclusion)
- Hospitalized within the past two weeks. (Temporary Exclusion)
- Transfusion within the past two weeks. (Temporary Exclusion)
Patients who enroll in the screening portion, have a conditional or abnormal TCD, and are eligible to start hydroxyurea will be excluded from receiving study treatment if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Abnormal pre-enrolment laboratory values (Temporary Exclusion)
- Known medical condition making participation ill-advised.
- Known allergic reactions to components of hydroxyurea.
- Previous history of stroke.
- Currently pregnant or lactating.
Sites / Locations
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Bugando Medical Centre
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Elevated Initial Screening TCD
Normal Initial Screening TCD
Those who have an elevated initial screening TCD (either conditional or abnormal TAMV) and will be a treatment cohort that receives open-label hydroxyurea therapy as per the dosing and administration schedule.
Those who are found to have a normal TCD at enrolment are a part of the observation/control cohort and will undergo repeat TCD every 12 months after enrolment. If the TCD at 12 months has changed to an elevated velocity (conditional or abnormal), the study participant will be reassigned to the elevated initial screening TCD arm and can begin study treatment (hydroxyurea), but will not be included in the primary endpoint analysis.