Predictors in SCD (Sickle Cell Disease Pain) - Clinical Trial
What is the Purpose of this Study?
We are doing this study to get a better understanding of what predicts severe pain in teenagers and young adults living with sickle cell disease.
Sickle Cell Disease
Who Can Participate in the Study?
Adults and children ages 15-40 who:
- Are diagnosed with sickle cell disease
- Have used a strong pain medication, like morphine or oxycodone, in the past 12 months to treat a sickle cell pain crisis either at home or in the hospital
- Are not pregnant
- Have never received gene therapy or a bone marrow transplant
For more information about who can be in this study, please contact the study team at omowunmi.olaleye@duke.edu.
What is Involved?
If you choose to join this study, you will:
- Fill out surveys about your health, mood, and pain
- Undergo standard pain testing that uses different sensations
One test involves pressure, and it uses a tool that pushes firmly against your skin. Another test involves heat, and it uses a tool that slowly becomes warm. The final test sees how you respond to "pin pricks," and it uses a tool with a sharp end like a safety pin.
The pain tests are important for showing us how your brain "sees" pain. They may be slightly uncomfortable, but they are safe, they cause no damage, and you can stop the tests whenever you want.