Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism in Children

Launched by WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Nov 6, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how blood flow and oxygen use in the brain can affect how children's brains develop, especially in those with sickle cell disease or who have had strokes. Researchers will use a type of brain scan called an MRI to see how well blood vessels can adjust to changes in demand for oxygen. This study is important because if the brain doesn't get enough oxygen, it can lead to problems like slower development or even strokes. One method they will use involves having participants breathe in a small amount of carbon dioxide to see how their blood vessels react without putting extra stress on the brain.

To participate, children and young adults ages 3 to 50 can join if they are healthy or have sickle cell disease, as long as they can undergo an MRI without sedation and are not pregnant. Participants might have to provide a blood sample, undergo an MRI, and possibly take some tests to assess their thinking and memory skills. It's also important that they are not on certain medications that affect blood flow. This study aims to help us learn more about brain health in young people, particularly those with conditions that can affect blood circulation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Healthy Controls:
• • Healthy controls ages 3-50 years of age
• • Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation
• • Not currently pregnant
• • No significant psychiatric history, defined as having a severe psychiatric diagnosis, per PI discretion
• • No history of epilepsy
• • No history of stroke or cerebrovascular disease
• • May have occasional headaches if not taking a daily preventative medication for headaches
• • Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil
• Sickle Cell Anemia Participants:
• • Ages 3-50 years of age
• • Hb SS or SBeta-thal
• • Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation
• • Not currently pregnant
• • Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Survivors:
• • Ages 3-50 years of age
• • History of cannulation for ECMO
• • Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation
• • Not currently pregnant
• • Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil