Acupressure for Sickle Cell Disease

N/A

Recruiting

Research Sponsored by Indiana University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Ages 14-17 (Adolescents) and 18-80 (Adults)

Diagnosed with SCD and experiencing chronic pain in the past 6 months or vaso-occlusive crisis/crises in the past 12 months

Must not have

History of head injury with substantial loss of consciousness

Known non-SCD-related severe psychiatric illnesses (e.g. current schizophrenia, major depression with suicidal ideation)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline, weekly through week 5, and daily during vocs up to 6 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to study how effective acupressure is in reducing pain in patients with sickle cell disease, and to understand the biological reasons behind its effectiveness.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adolescents and adults aged 14-80 with Sickle Cell Disease who have had chronic pain or a vaso-occlusive crisis in the past year. Participants must speak English, give consent, limit other pain treatments during the study, and commit to bi-daily acupressure sessions for 5 weeks.

What is being tested?

The study tests the effectiveness of acupressure analgesia on patients with Sickle Cell Disease. It involves two types of acupressure techniques to understand how they relieve pain and their underlying neurological mechanisms.

What are the potential side effects?

Acupressure is generally considered safe but may cause temporary soreness at pressure points, minor bruising, or light-headedness. Since it's non-invasive, serious side effects are rare.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am between 14 and 80 years old.

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I have sickle cell disease and have had chronic pain or a pain crisis in the last year.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have had a head injury that caused me to lose consciousness significantly.

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I do not have severe psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or major depression with suicidal thoughts.

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I do not have severe vision, hearing, or movement problems that would stop me from participating in study activities.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline, weekly through week 5, and daily during vocs up to 6 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline, weekly through week 5, and daily during vocs up to 6 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, weekly through week 5, and daily during vocs up to 6 months for reporting.