Breathing carbon dioxide to uncover hidden stroke risks in kids
NCT ID NCT04406818
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at how blood flow and metabolism affect brain development in children with sickle cell anemia. Researchers will use MRI scans and a special mask to have participants breathe carbon dioxide, which helps measure how well brain blood vessels expand. The goal is to understand why some children develop silent strokes or slower brain growth, which could lead to better prevention strategies.
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
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help doctors predict and prevent brain damage or strokes in children with sickle cell anemia.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to direct benefits for participants, and results may not apply to all 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
-
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
-
About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jun 2021
- Expected to finish
-
Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
4 to 21 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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.
Healthy Controls: * Healthy controls ages 4-21 years of age * Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation * Not currently pregnant * No significant psychiatric history, defined as having a severe psychiatric diagnosis, per PI discretion * No history of epilepsy * No history of stroke or cerebrovascular disease * May have occasional headaches if not taking a daily preventative medication for headaches * Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil Sickle Cell Anemia Participants: * Ages 4-21 years of age * Hb SS or SBeta-thal * Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation * Not currently pregnant * Not on vasodilatory medication, such as sildenafil or verapamil * No known vasculopathy
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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
-
Washington University in St. Louis
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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