Hydroxyurea to Prevent Central Nervous System Complications of Sickle Cell Disease in Children (HU Prevent) is a clinical study that aims to compare the drug hydroxyurea to a placebo in children with sickle cell disease. The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if hydroxyurea can prevent brain injury. Some of the most devastating complications of sickle cell disease, including stroke, silent stroke, and fast blood flow to the brain, can occur early in a child’s life. Through information gained from the HU Prevent Study, we hope to help prevent these common problems in children with sickle cell disease.
Without treatment, 1 in 10 children with sickle cell disease will have a stroke by age 18, and another 1 in 3 will have a silent stroke. Strokes and silent strokes often reduce intelligence and can lead to difficulty in school. About 1 in 10 children with sickle cell disease have blood flow to the brain that is too fast and need regular transfusions to prevent a stroke.
About 25 hospitals across the country are participating in this study in an effort to improve the lives of children and families living with sickle cell disease. BIOS CTCC is serving as the national coordinating center.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01389024