Determination of Red Cell Survival in Sickle Cell Disease and Other Hemoglobinopathies Using Biotin Labeling

Background:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of the blood. SCD causes red blood cells (RBCs) to die early. This can lead to a shortage of healthy cells. SCD and other blood disorders can be managed with drugs or cured with a bone marrow transplant. Researchers want to know how long RBCs survive in people with SCD and other blood disorders before and after treatment compared to those who had a bone marrow transplant.

Objective:

To learn how long RBCs survive in the body in people with SCD and other blood disorders compared to those whose disease was cured with a bone marrow transplant.

Eligibility:

People aged 18 years or older with SCD or another inherited blood disorder. People whose SCD or blood disorder was cured with a bone marrow transplant are also needed.

Design:

Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood and urine tests.

Participants will have about 7 tablespoons of blood drawn. In the lab, this blood will be mixed with a vitamin called biotin. Biotin sticks to the outside of RBCs. This process is called "biotin labeling of RBCs." The next day, the participant s own biotin-labeled RBCs will be returned to their bloodstream.

Participants will return regularly to have smaller blood samples (about 2 teaspoons) drawn. These samples will be tested to detect the percentage of cells that have biotin labels. These visits may be every 2 weeks, 4 weeks, or some other interval. Participants will continue this schedule for up to 20 weeks or until biotin can no longer be detected....