Testing a new intravenous treatment to shorten sickle cell pain crises

This trial is testing whether intravenous L-citrulline can help shorten the time it takes to recover from a sickle cell vaso-occlusive pain crisis — those severe pain episodes that send patients to the hospital. Young people ages 4 to 21 who are hospitalized for a pain crisis will receive either a high dose of the medication, a low dose, or a placebo (a dummy treatment), along with their regular pain medicines. Researchers will track how quickly each group recovers and how much pain medication they need.

Vaso-occlusive pain crises are one of the most common and serious complications of sickle cell disease, and they often require long hospital stays and strong pain medications. This trial is exploring whether this medication might help the body improve blood flow and reduce pain, helping patients heal faster and spend less time in the hospital.