Could a common drug ease sickle cell pain for african children?
NCT ID NCT01966731
First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether hydroxyurea, a drug already used for sickle cell disease in other parts of the world, is safe and effective for children with sickle cell anemia in Africa. Children aged 1 to 10 years receive daily doses of hydroxyurea, with careful monitoring for side effects and improvements in blood counts and pain crises. The goal is to gather evidence that could make this treatment more accessible across the continent.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Hydroxyurea
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could make hydroxyurea widely available for children with sickle cell anemia in Africa, reducing pain episodes and hospital visits.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase study, so the full benefits and risks are not yet known. Hydroxyurea can lower blood cell counts, requiring careful monitoring.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centre Hospitalier Monkole
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino
Luanda, Angola
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KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research
Kilifi, Kenya
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Ministry of Health Mbale Regional Hospital
Mbale, Uganda
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