Twice-daily oral xylitol to prevent bloodstream infections after pediatric stem cell transplant

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

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11159753

Children having stem cell transplants will use twice-daily oral xylitol or a placebo to try to reduce bloodstream infections that begin in the mouth.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159753 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial gives pediatric stem cell transplant patients either twice-daily oral xylitol or a placebo in addition to routine oral care. The study tracks bloodstream infections that occur in the weeks after transplant and measures oral health outcomes like gingivitis, plaque, and ulcerations. Participation occurs at transplant centers and follows patients through the high-risk early post-transplant period. The goal is to see if a simple, low-risk mouth treatment can lower infections that come from an injured oral mucosa.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children undergoing stem cell transplantation who can follow twice-daily oral treatments and are treated at a participating transplant center are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are not receiving a stem cell transplant, cannot use oral xylitol, or have contraindications to the product are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the rate of dangerous bloodstream infections after pediatric stem cell transplant and improve recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Prior dental and small pilot studies show xylitol can reduce plaque and gum problems, but using it to prevent post-transplant bloodstream infections is largely untested.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.