Reducing bloodstream infections in children after stem cell transplants using xylitol

Reduction of bloodstream infections from oral organisms in pediatric stem cell transplant: a randomized multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluating twice daily oral xylitol

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-10894101

This study is looking at whether giving kids who have had stem cell transplants a natural sweetener called xylitol can help prevent infections in their blood caused by bacteria from their mouths, and it involves taking xylitol twice a day along with their usual mouth care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10894101 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of using xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, to prevent bloodstream infections caused by oral bacteria in children who have undergone stem cell transplants. The study involves a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the xylitol or a placebo. Participants will take xylitol twice daily in addition to their regular oral care routine. The goal is to determine if this approach can significantly reduce the incidence of infections that can arise from damaged oral mucosa during recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children who are undergoing stem cell transplantation and are at risk for bloodstream infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing stem cell transplantation or those with pre-existing conditions that contraindicate the use of xylitol may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new preventive strategy that significantly reduces the risk of serious infections in pediatric stem cell transplant patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of xylitol has shown promise in other contexts, this specific application in preventing bloodstream infections in stem cell transplant patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.