Gum Arabic as Fetal Hemoglobin Agent in Sickle Cell Anemia

Al-Neelain University47 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Gum Arabic is effective as fetal hemoglobin inducing agent for sickle cell anemia patients.

: High level of fetal haemoglobin (Hb F) decreases sickle cell anaemia (SCA) severity and leads to improved survival. Butyrate proved to increase HbF production in vivo and in vitro studies. Nonetheless, its short half-life limited its utilization in clinical practice. Gum Arabic (GA) is edible, dried, gummy exudate from Acacia Senegal tree. GA fermentation by colonic bacteria increases serum butyrate concentrations. The investigators hypothesized regular intake of GA will increase serum butyrate level. The latter will induce fetal hemoglobin production and ameliorate patients' symptoms. 47 patients hemoglobin SS aged 5-42 years, on regular follow up in Military hospital were recruited from April 2014 to January 2015 Patients received dose of G A 30g/day for 12 weeks. Hb F, complete blood count and Erythropoietin level were measured. The main outcome of interest was the level of HbF after 12 weeks.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Sickle Cell Anemia

Interventions

Gum ArabicDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

oral ingestion of 30 gram every day for 12 weeks

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 5 YearsMax age: 50 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. over 5 year old 2. less t5han 50 3. diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell anemia by Hb electrophoresis Exclusion Criteria: 1\. patients received blood transfusion within the last three months or admitted to the hospital within 2 weeks because of Sickle cell anemia -related events or crisis.

Locations (1)

Military Hospital

Omdurman, Khartoum State, Sudan

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The primary endpoint of the study will be the level of fetal hemoglobin after three months

fetal hemoglobin will be measured each month for three months

Time frame: 12 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.