Assessing Barrett's Esophagus in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Purging Behaviors

Presence of Barrett's Esophagitis in a Cohort of People With Eating Disorders Who Engage in Purging Behaviors: A Pilot Study

Observational Denver Health and Hospital Authority · NCT06532734

This study is trying to see if people with anorexia nervosa who purge have Barrett's esophagus, using non-invasive tests to check for this condition in patients aged 18-65.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorDenver Health and Hospital Authority Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Denver, Colorado and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06532734 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the presence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who exhibit purging behaviors, such as vomiting and rumination. It will utilize non-endoscopic testing methods to identify BE in a cohort that typically does not meet the standard screening guidelines. The study focuses on patients aged 18-65 with a history of purging for at least five years, who are admitted to a specialized center for eating disorders. By examining this population, the study seeks to provide insights into the prevalence of BE in younger patients with severe eating disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of an eating disorder that includes a history of purging behaviors for five years or more.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have purging behaviors or those who are outside the age range of 18-65 will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection and management of Barrett's esophagus in patients with eating disorders, potentially improving their long-term health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been case reports on this topic, this study represents a novel approach as no comprehensive cohort studies have been conducted to assess Barrett's esophagus in this specific population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with an eating disorder diagnosis that includes purging history
* Ages 18-65
* Purging history =\>5 years
* Purging or rumination at a minimum of once daily upon admission.
* Admission to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any eating disorder diagnosis that does not include purging behaviors
* Ages under 18 and over 65
* Patients who otherwise meet the current ACG screening guidelines (chronic GERD and 3 or more risk factors for Barrett's mentioned in the Background)
* Received mandated care at time of enrollment
* Inability to consent to participate in the research

Where this trial is running

Denver, Colorado and 2 other locations

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 Barrett EsophagusAnorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating/Purging TypeRuminationVomitingEating DisordersEsophageal Adenocarcinoma
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.