This grant has ended and is part of our past portfolio of work.
Principal Investigator(s):
Muktar Aliyu, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H.
Michael DeBaun, M.D., M.P.H.
Lori Chaffin Jordan, M.D., Ph.D.
Primary Prevention of Strokes in Nigerian Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) (R21NS080639)
SCD is the most common cause of stroke in children. The current primary prevention approach of regular monthly blood transfusion therapy of children at high risk of stroke (identified by elevated transcranial Doppler measurements) is not feasible in a low income country such as Nigeria due to scarcity of supply, cost, and high rate of blood borne infections. This project is a feasibility study to determine the acceptability of randomization to hydroxyurea (HU) vs. placebo for primary prevention of strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in preparation for a NIH sponsored multicenter, phase III Trial. A feasibility trial of hydroxyurea for primary prevention of stroke in sickle cell disease will provide evidence for an alternative approach to recurrent transfusions in a part of the world where safe blood services are not readily accessible.