The Spleen and Sickle Cell Anaemia, version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining determinants of spleen size and spleen function in children with sickle cell anaemia.
IRAS ID
245254
Contact name
David Rees
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In patients with sickle cell anaemia, spleen function typically starts declining in early childhood. By the age of 5 years most children with sickle cell anaemia have no spleen function left. Complications manifest as increased susceptibility to life threatening bacterial infections as well as severe anaemia. However, research examining the spleen in sickle cell anaemia is sparse. In this study we aim to identify determinants of spleen size and spleen function in children with sickle cell anaemia. We will examine spleen size using abdominal ultrasound. We will also take a blood sample from all children included in the study, in order to perform tests that look at the function of the spleen. Once we have collected all data from the UK we will compare with results from children with sickle cell anaemia in Kenya.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1566
Date of REC Opinion
26 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion