Methylphenidate to Address Attention and Executive Deficits Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease

The purpose of this study is to determine if patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can consistently take a drug called Methylphenidate (MPH) daily, once a day for 4 weeks to help with any thinking, attention or schoolwork problems and if they have any side effects. The study will assess any thinking or attention problems participants may have both before taking this drug and after. Additionally, the study will assess the decision-making process of the caregiver that may influence using this drug or not. Primary Objective: • Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and adherence to MPH treatment in children with SCD and EF deficits. Secondary Objective: • Evaluate neurobehavioral and safety outcomes following MPH treatment. Exploratory Objective: • Evaluate decision-making and determinants influencing methylphenidate utilization among parents.

NCT Number	NCT07226219
Lead Sponsor	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Conditions	Sickle Cell Disease, Executive Dysfunction, Cognitive Impairment, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Enrollment	72 participants
Start Date	2025-11-25
Primary Completion	2027-07-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-08-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-06