Can a light cap predict stroke in sickle cell disease?
NCT ID NCT07776444
First seen Aug 20, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is testing whether a light-based cap (HD-DOT) can measure how well the brain responds to changes in carbon dioxide, a key indicator of stroke risk. Researchers will compare this cap to standard MRI in people with and without sickle cell disease, aged 6 to 70. Participants may also undergo cognitive tests and blood draws, and be followed for up to three years. The goal is to find a simpler, safer way to identify those at risk for stroke.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Carbon dioxide inhalation and high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) imaging
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a safer, more accessible way to identify children with sickle cell disease who are at high risk of stroke, enabling earlier prevention.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study, so the optical cap may not match MRI accuracy. It also involves inhaling carbon dioxide, which carries some risk, especially in vulnerable patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2032
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 6-70 Years Old * Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation * May or may not have HbSS or beta thalassemia null genotypes of sickle cell anemia Exclusion Criteria: * Significant craniofacial malformation or technical contraindications to DOT monitoring (for HDDOT imaging) * Metal in/on the body that is contraindicated for MRI safety (for MRI imaging)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Washington University in St. Louis
RECRUITINGSt Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can an antioxidant supplement calm sickle cell blood cells?
- Can a softer transplant cure sickle cell disease?
- Mindfulness on your phone: a new test for sickle cell pain and sleep
- Urine and MRI: a new hope for spotting silent kidney injury in sickle cell kids?
- Can a home program help kids with sickle cell hit milestones?