Clinical Trials

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how the use of two different types of telemedicine (distance medical care) can address barriers to receiving comprehensive sickle cell care, and whether care can be improved.

This is a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of providing RH genotype matched D+ Red Blood Cells (RBCs) to chronically transfused patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who type D+ but have formed anti-D and are currently transfused with D- RBC (Red Blood Cell) units.

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.

Do you or your child have sickle cell disease and have a stem cell donor? This study is exploring how to improve bone marrow transplant procedures so the body better accepts donor stem cells. Participants in this study must be at least 4 years old. This study is located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Do you or your child have sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait? This study is interested in understanding pain crises and lung complications that occur in sickle cell disease patients and patients who have other red blood cell disorders. To participate in this study, you must be at least 2 years old with known or suspected sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, or other red blood cell disorders. Participants will have a physical exam and receive standard medical care for sickle cell disease, including routine follow-up tests and procedures. This study is located in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland.

Do you or your child have sickle cell disease and also have an interest in contributing to long-term data collection? This study is monitoring patients and collecting biological samples from patients who have sickle cell disease to better understand long-term outcomes. Participants can be any age and must have sickle cell disease. This study is located in six sites in Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Do you have sickle cell disease and have not had a blood transfusion in the previous 8 weeks? This study will look at whether a particular gene in people who have sickle cell disease increases the risk for more severe symptoms and complications. To participate in this study, you must be between 18 and 80. This study is located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Do you have sickle cell disease or thalassemia, or are you a healthy volunteer who is willing to undergo a brain MRI? This study aims to understand whether sickle cell disease or thalassemia affects the processes that naturally increase blood flow in the brain when people experience stress. Researchers will measure blood flow using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants in this study must be at least 7 years old and have sickle cell disease or thalassemia. Healthy volunteers can also participate. This study is located in Los Angeles, California.

Are you an adult who has sickle cell disease and wheezing not caused by asthma? This study will test an inhaled medicine called mometasone for people who have sickle cell disease and wheezing that is not caused by asthma. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old and not have asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, or a current pain crisis. This study is located in New York, New York.

Do you or your child need another blood stem cell transplant for sickle cell disease? This study will give a second transplant to people who have sickle cell disease and whose disease has returned but still have some donor cells in their body. Participants in this study must be at least 4 years old and had a transplant but the disease returned, and their donor relatives. This study is located in Bethesda, Maryland.