Arginine Therapy in Sickle Cell Disease-VOC Clinical Trial
United States56 participantsStarted 2000-09
Plain-language summary
Vaso-occlusion contributes significantly to morbidity in sickle cell disease (SCD). Vaso-occlusive painful episodes (VOE) are common and debilitating, causing the majority of emergency department visits. Currently efforts to treat painful episodes with use of non-steroidal pain relievers and intravenous narcotics offer symptomatic relief only, without targeting the underlying mechanisms of vaso-occlusion.Investigators have found that an arginine deficiency and low NO bioavailability occurs during painful events in SCD. Since arginine is the obligate substrate for NO production, and an acute deficiency is associated with VOE, investigators hypothesized that arginine supplementation may be a safe and beneficial treatment for sickle cell pain.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 21 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Established Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease(SS,SC,S-beta thal)
* Admitted to Hospital for pain
* Pain requiring hospitalization for parenteral narcotics, not attributable to non-sickle cell causes
* \>3 year and older
Exclusion Criteria:
* Hemoglobin less than 5gm/dL or immediate need for red cell transfusion
* Hepatic Dysfunction: increased in SGPT to \>2x normal value
* Renal Dysfunction: increased in creatinine to \>2x normal value or \>1.5
* Mental status or neurological changes
* Pregnancy
* \>10 Hospitalizations per year or history of dependance to narcotics
* Inability to take oral medications or allergy to arginine
* Inability to use a PCA device
* \< 3 years of age
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
1
Length of Hospital Stay
Timeframe: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay an expected average of 3-6 days, with re-admission data being collect for up to 30 days