Clinical Trials

The primary goal of this study is to determine whether curative therapies for individuals with SCD will result in improved or worsening heart, lung, and kidney damage when compared to individuals with SCD receiving standard therapy. The investigators will also explore whether certain genes are associated with a good or bad outcome after curative therapy for SCD.

Are you an adult with sickle cell disease? This study aims to determine whether monthly exchange blood transfusions (removing blood and replacing it with transfused red blood cells) can improve health and prevent or reduce the number of pain crises. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old, have sickle cell disease, and have not been on a chronic exchange transfusion program for at least 2 months. This study is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Have you been diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy and are within 5 months of your due date? This study is evaluating the effectiveness of a medicine called bromocriptine to treat peripartum cardiomyopathy, or weakness of the heart muscle that occurs during or shortly after pregnancy. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, and within 5 months of your delivery date. This study takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Do you have cardiomyopathy that has led to moderate or severe mitral regurgitation? This study is exploring the best surgical technique to repair mitral regurgitation by comparing two procedures called undersizing mitral annuloplasty (UMA) and papillary muscle approximation (PMA). A UMA is a common procedure that involves implanting a prosthetic ring onto the mitral valve to stop the valve from leaking. A PMA is a newer technique in which a suture draws together the two muscles that connect the mitral valve to the heart muscle prior to performing UMA. To participate in this study, you must be 18 years old or older and have never had a mitral valve repair procedure. This study takes place in Atlanta, Georgia.

Do you or your child have sickle cell disease and receive blood transfusion treatment? This study aims to determine how long red blood cells survive in people with sickle cell disease. Some people receive blood transfusions from donor blood as a treatment for sickle cell disease. But sometimes, donor blood cells do not survive long once transfused, which can make long-term blood transfusions less effective as a treatment option. Participants in this study must be 6 years old or older and have already been receiving blood transfusion treatment for more than 3 months. This study takes place in Atlanta, Georgia.