Gut health and dysbiosis in children with sickle cell disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SCD-MICROBIOME. Sickle Cell Dysbiosis; Microbiome Impact and Changes Resulting from Oral antiBIOtics and hydrocarbaMidE
IRAS ID
341887
Contact name
John Brewin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is genetic disorder affecting the red blood cells (RBCs). The affected RBCs are prone to changes in shape, causing blockages in the smaller vessels, which can lead to organ damage. These potentially life-threatening complications are called vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and are the primary cause of hospitalisation in children with SCD.
Treatment of children with SCD requires a proactive approach, to screen for complications early, reduce risks of severe infections (with penicillin) and reduce frequency of VOCs (with a medication called hydroxycarbamide).
Recent evidence suggests that the gut 'microbiome' might influence the severity of SCD, including the severity and frequency of VOCs. International studies show that people with SCD have both a ‘leaky’ gut barrier, and imbalances in the composition and diversity of their gut microbiome (so-called ‘dysbiosis’). Both of these lead to more inflammation, which might activate the inflammatory cells involved in causing VOCs. Despite this possible link, the gut microbiome in SCD is still poorly understood, including the effects of commonly prescribed medications in SCD (penicillin and hydroxycarbamide).
In this trial, we will collect a stool and blood sample from children (aged 5-16y) with SCD and non-sickle unaffected sibling (to provide a socioeconomically and ethnically-matched comparator). We will analyse the samples to understand how the microbiome is affected in SCD, including how leaky the gut barrier is, and what the effect on the rest of the body is. This will be linked to clinical data about the child's health to understand the impact of the microbiome on the rate and progression of complications like VOCs. Our study runs in parallel with a mouse study of SCD (separately funded and ethically-approved), investigating the effect of gut 'dysbiosis' in mice, and the potential role of probiotics as a treatment option.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0237
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion