Adding Zinc to Reduce Sickle Cell Anemia-related Infections in Ugandan Children

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ruth Namazzi 

Disease: Sickle Cell Anemia

Research Description:

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common inherited blood disease worldwide, and African children bear the highest burden. SCA causes lifelong complications in patients, including pain, stroke, recurrent anemia and infections. Among children with SCA in Sub-Sahara Africa alone, 30 – 45% die before the age of 5, mostly due to infections. Zinc deficiency is common in children with SCA, and research suggests that it may contribute to impaired immunity against infections. Zinc supplementation therefore may provide a safe and low-cost way to reduce infections among the youngest and most vulnerable SCA patients. This Phase I/II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will compare daily 20 mg zinc supplementation vs placebo in improving immune function and reducing infection rates in Ugandan children with SCA. Successful Phase I/II results would become the basis for a larger confirmatory trial of this cheap, readily available nutraceutical intervention that could reduce morbidity and mortality in thousands of children with SCA in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Funding Partners: Open Philanthropy

CWR Funding Role: Participating