The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral L-glutamine in the therapy of sickle cell anemia and sickle ß0-thalassemia.~The secondary purpose is to assess the effect of L-glutamine frequency of hospitalizations for sickle cell pain, frequency of emergency room visits for sickle cell pain; energy and appetite levels; narcotics usage.~Methodology:~By site, patients will be randomized to L-glutamine or placebo in a 1:1 ratio after a 4-week screening period. Patients will undergo 48 weeks of treatment with dosing BID orally, with dose calculated according to patient weight. Patient visits will occur every 4 weeks. After 48 weeks of treatment, dose will be tapered to zero within 3 weeks. A final evaluation visit will occur 2 weeks after last dose.
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of L-glutamine as a therapy for sickle cell anemia and sickle ß0-thalassemia. as evaluated by the number of occurrences of sickle cell crises.