Research is central to our mission of improving outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease. Our investigators are international leaders committed to translating scientific insights into practical solutions that enhance patient care. Our research spans several focus areas, including:
- Development of new treatment strategies
- Pain management innovations
- Stroke prevention
- Advancing disease-modifying and potentially curative therapies
Our studies include efforts to reduce complications in pregnancy among women with SCD in Ghana, prevent priapism in Nigeria, and address nutritional needs and stroke risk in children with SCD. We also engage in initiatives that examine variations in care and outcomes across populations.
Our medical student research program welcomes participants from Meharry Medical College and the University of Puerto Rico, nurturing emerging leaders in medicine at non-research-intensive medical schools.
Our dedication to clinical excellence, discovery, and patient-focused research distinguishes our program regionally, nationally and globally.
The Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence, under the leadership of Dr. Michael R. DeBaun, is at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at transforming the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our current NIH-funded projects exemplify our unwavering commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and the pursuit of health equity.
Stroke Prevention in Nigerian Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SPRING Trials)
In regions like Nigeria, where SCD prevalence is high, the risk of stroke among children is a pressing concern. Our SPRING trials are pioneering efforts to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyurea therapy in preventing strokes in Nigerian children with SCD. By tailoring interventions to this unique population, we aim to establish life-saving treatment protocols that can be implemented globally.