CompletedNot Applicable

Microvascular Blood Flow in Sickle Cell Anemia

United States91 participantsStarted 2012-07

Plain-language summary

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes the red blood cells to change their shape from a round shape to a half-moon/crescent or sickled shape. Sickle-shaped cells can cause problems by getting stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow, and can cause inflammation and injury to important body parts. There are no specific treatments that improve this condition and promote blood flow hindered by sickle cell blockages. Another big challenge in managing sickle cell disease is that there are no good measures to determine changes and improvements in blood flow. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a technique currently used to detect blood flow in the heart, muscles, and other organs. It is extremely sensitive and can detect blood flow in the smallest of blood vessels. It would be very useful in helping healthcare providers know whether treatment strategies are improving blood flow during sickle cell blockages. The hypothesis is that contrast-enhanced ultrasound will be a feasible tool for determining changes in blood flow of subjects with sickle cell disease.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

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Inclusion criteria

Ages 18 to 70 years

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Microvascular Blood Flow Rate Change

Timeframe: Between baseline and 24 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01566890

SponsorVersiti Blood Health

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-07-05

Results submitted2021-10-20

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sickle Cell Disease trials

Plain-language summary