Losartan for Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Sickle Cell Disease: A Prospective, Phase II Study.
This study is a pilot, phase II, open-label study of the angiotensin II receptor blocker, losartan, in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) 6 years or older for 12 months. The investigators will enroll 24 patients with SCD over the course of 1 year with a goal to complete all study procedures in 2 years. The short-term goal is to obtain clinical pilot data regarding the safety and efficacy of losartan in stabilizing or decreasing extracellular volume fraction (ECV) after 12 months of therapy.
• 6 years old or older
• Diagnosis of HbSS or Sbeta0-thalassemia
• Ability to cooperate with and undergo CMR without sedation or anesthesia
• Ability to cooperate with and undergo echocardiogram without sedation or anesthesia
• Patients who are on a stable dose of sickle cell disease-modifying therapy: Hydroxyurea, Voxelotor, L-Glutamine, or Crizanlizumab, for 3 months prior to enrollment will be eligible.