Acupuncture for children and teens with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases

Acupuncture in Pediatrics and Adolescents with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Not applicable Interventional Medical University of Vienna · NCT04488198

This study is testing whether acupuncture can help children and teens with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT04488198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for children and adolescents suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (CIBD), such as Morbus Crohn and Ulcerative Colitis. It aims to assess the impact of acupuncture on disease activity, chronic pain, quality of life, and inflammation levels using validated measurement indices. Participants will receive either acupuncture or placebo-acupuncture while maintaining stable pharmacological treatment. The study seeks to provide evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in managing pediatric CIBD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents diagnosed with mild to moderate chronic inflammatory bowel diseases who have been on stable pharmacological treatment for at least 8 weeks.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using complementary alternative medicine may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new complementary treatment option to improve the quality of life and disease management for pediatric patients with CIBD.

How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific application in pediatric CIBD is relatively novel and lacks extensive prior evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* mild/moderate CIBD
* stable pharmacological treatment at least for 8 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* complementary alternative medicine

Where this trial is running

Vienna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Morbus CrohnColitis, Ulcerative
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.