Actively Recruiting
Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism in Children and Adults With Sickle Cell Disease and Stroke Risk Using MRI and Carbon Dioxide Inhalation
Led by Washington University School of Medicine · Updated on 2025-09-11
350
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how changes in blood flow and metabolism affect brain development in children and adults up to 50 years old. The study focuses on brain blood flow regulation, especially how blood vessels expand and contract to meet the brain's oxygen needs. It aims to identify imaging markers that show brain tissue under stress and at risk for injury, particularly in conditions like sickle cell disease and after strokes. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using specialized sequences to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). CVR is measured by having participants inhale controlled amounts of carbon dioxide using an MRI-compatible device that ensures safe and steady delivery. The study includes healthy controls, survivors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and individuals with sickle cell anemia. During the study, participants may have blood drawn, complete neuropsychological assessments, and be monitored for how their brain vessels respond to carbon dioxide inhalation. The main outcome measured is cerebral oxygen metabolism during the MRI scan, which takes about 75 minutes. Secondary outcomes include cerebrovascular reactivity measured over 15 minutes during carbon dioxide administration. The study runs through December 2027 and includes safety measures to prevent over-breathing carbon dioxide.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism in Children
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Ages 3 to 50 years
- Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation
- Not currently pregnant
- For healthy controls: no significant psychiatric history or history of epilepsy or stroke
- For sickle cell anemia participants: diagnosed with Hb SS or SBeta-thal
- For ECMO survivors: history of cannulation for ECMO
- Not taking vasodilatory medications such as sildenafil or verapamil
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently pregnant
- Taking vasodilatory medication such as sildenafil or verapamil
- For healthy controls: history of epilepsy
- For healthy controls: history of stroke or cerebrovascular disease
- For healthy controls: significant psychiatric history as determined by investigator
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Approximately 75 minutes per MRI scan session
Participants undergo MRI scans while inhaling carbon dioxide to measure cerebral oxygen metabolism and cerebrovascular reactivity.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Washington University of St. Louis
St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristin Guilliams, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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