Clinical Research Directory

Sickle Cell, Pain and Mediterranean Diet

The goal of this study is to compare pain levels in individuals with Sickle Cell Disease while following the Mediterranean Diet to pain levels while following their usual diet.

Genotype -Phenotype Correlation of PKLR Variants With Pyruvate Kinase, 2,3-Diphosphglycerate and Adenosine Triphosphate Activities in Red Blood Cells of People With Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Some people with the same disorder on a genetic level have more complications than others. Researchers want to look for a link between the PKLR gene and sickle cell disease (SCD) symptoms. The PKLR gene helps create a protein, called pyruvate kinase that is essential in normal functioning of the red blood cell. Differences in the PKLR gene, called genetic variants, may cause some changes in the pyruvate kinase protein and other proteins, that can affect functioning of the red blood cell adding to the effect of SCD. Researchers can study these differences by looking at DNA (the material that determines inherited characteristics). Objective: To study how the PKLR gene affects sickle cell disease. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-80 of African descent. They may have sickle cell disease or not. They must not have had a transfusion recently or have a known deficiency of pyruvate kinase. They cannot be pregnant. Design: Participants will be screened with questions. Participants will have blood drawn by needle in an arm vein. The blood will be genetically tested. Not much is known about how genes affect SCD, so the test results will not be shared with participants or their doctors. ...

Impact of Regional Anesthesia on Inflammatory Mechanisms During Vaso-occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Patients

Sickle cell disease is a chronic disease characterized by multiple vaso-occlusive complications. The basic treatment for patients with a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is based on adequate hydration, oxygen therapy and pain control. Loco Regional Anesthesia (LRA) is one of the major treatments in resuscitation anesthesia for both anesthesia and analgesia. LRA allows effective and almost immediate pain control by blocking nerve afferents in a given area. LRA could decrease the inflammatory response during crises and accelerate resolution of the crisis.