MedPath

Blood Sampling for Research Related to Sickle Cell Disease

Recruiting
Conditions
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle Cell Trait
Registration Number
NCT00542230
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Brief Summary

This study will collect representative blood samples from healthy children and adults and from children and adults who have unique red blood cell features that are related to sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a blood disease that limits the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. The purpose of the study is to collect a variety of blood samples that may then be used to investigate advances and potential new drug treatments for sickle cell disease.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of old. Samples will be taken both from healthy volunteers and from volunteers who have unique red blood cell features that are related to sickle cell disease. Candidates will be screened with a medical history.

During the study, participants will undergo a one- to two-hour outpatient procedure at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Once researchers have explained the study and obtained the participant s consent, participants will donate 8 cc (approximately 2 teaspoons) of blood.

Because repeat testing helps researchers validate study findings, participants who have the unique red blood cell features mentioned above may also be asked if they are willing to return and donate another 2 cc to 8 cc of blood for additional studies. The amount of blood drawn will not exceed 50 ml with any eight-week period for adults or 7 cc within any six-week period for children.

Detailed Description

The critical event leading to serious morbidity in sickle cell disease is polymerization of the abnormal hemoglobin to form fibers that stiffen and distort red blood cells and consequently, cause vaso-occlusion in the small vessels of the tissues. Currently, hydroxyurea is the only approved drug for treating sickle cell disease, but is only partially effective. This protocol seeks to identify by high sensitivity in vitro screening methods additional compounds that inhibit sickling. Subjects with sickle cell trait or disease and normal volunteers will be asked to donate blood samples for studies to verify their hemoglobinopathies and then periodically donate small volume samples of fresh blood for use in ongoing high throughput screening tests to identify potentially clinically useful anti-sickling drugs.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
250
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
To screen large compound libraries for anti-sickling activity, particularly compounds that are already FDA-approved drugs, with the goal of discovering a drug for treating sickle cell disease.daily

To identify by high sensitivity in vitro screening methods additional compounds that inhibit sickling

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

🇺🇸

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath