Primary stroke prevention in Nigerian children with sickle cell disease (SPIN): challenges of conducting a feasibility trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The majority of children with sickle cell disease (SCD), approximately 75%, are born in sub-Saharan Africa. For children with elevated transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocity, regular blood transfusion therapy for primary stroke prevention is standard care in high income countries, but is not feasible in sub-Saharan Africa.

Procedure

In the first U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) sponsored SCD clinical trial in sub-Saharan Africa, we describe the protocol and challenges unique to starting a clinical trial in this region. We are conducting a single arm pilot trial of hydroxyurea therapy in children with TCD velocity ≥200 cm/sec in the middle cerebral arteries. Eligible children will be placed on hydroxyurea (n = 40) and followed for 3 years at Aminu Kano Teaching

SUBMITTER: Galadanci NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4304992 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature