Epidemiology of Silent and Overt Strokes in Sickle Cell Disease

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Dec 12, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to prevent strokes in adults with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a condition that affects the blood and can lead to serious health problems. While there are effective ways to prevent strokes in children with SCD, there hasn't been enough research on what works best for adults. The trial aims to identify groups of adults who are at higher risk for strokes and understand how common factors like smoking or obesity might affect them. By gathering this information, researchers hope to develop better strategies for preventing strokes in adults with SCD.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease. They should have been regularly visiting a hematology clinic for at least three years and be willing to undergo MRI scans of the brain over the course of the study. Participants can expect to be followed for about 3.5 years, during which they will have routine check-ups and brain scans to monitor their health. This research is vitally important as it may help improve care and outcomes for adults living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants with sickle cell disease on hemoglobin analysis and/or other confirmatory documentation of phenotype
• • 2. Patients ≥ 18 years of age
• • 3. Patients followed regularly (at least two visits per year) in the hematology clinics
• • 4. Patients who have demonstrated adherence with follow-up visits for ≥ 3 years
• • 5. Patients willing to be followed prospectively for a minimum of 3.5 years and agree to a standard care exit MRI/MRA of the brain, as well as MRI/MRA every 12 to 18 months or participation in VUMC AHA trial with Dr. Jordan as PI. These are adults with SCA aged 18-40 years at study entry, enrolled with any infarct status (none, SCI or overt stroke) and followed prospectively.
• • 6. Willingness to comply with study protocol, routine clinic visits
• Exclusion criteria:
• • 1. Participants judged to be non-compliant by the hematologist based on previous experience in terms of clinic appointments and following advice
• • 2. Participants with contraindications to MRI, including individuals with MRI-incompatible foreign metal objects