Scientists hunt for hidden causes of painful leg ulcers in sickle cell disease

NCT ID NCT02156102

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study looked at why people with sickle cell disease develop chronic leg ulcers. Researchers collected skin swabs, blood samples, and survey data from 405 adults to explore the role of skin bacteria and environmental factors. The goal was to better understand the causes, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help identify why leg ulcers form in sickle cell disease, pointing toward better prevention or care strategies.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly test any new therapy, and findings may not lead to immediate changes in care.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hereditary disease sickle cell disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine

    The Bronx, New York, 10467, United States

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

  • University of Sierra Leone, College of Medicine and Allied Health Services

    Freetown, Sierra Leone