Comparing two treatment approaches for children with ulcerative colitis

First-line Treatment With Infliximab Versus Corticosteroids in Children With Newly Diagnosed Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis

Phase 4 Interventional Children's Hospital of Fudan University · NCT04999228

This study is testing whether a new medicine called infliximab works better than traditional steroids for children with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis to help them feel better and heal faster.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Fudan University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsinfliximab
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
Trial IDNCT04999228 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of two treatment strategies for pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 with newly diagnosed moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either infliximab (a biologic agent) or corticosteroids, with the aim of achieving mucosal healing and assessing clinical response at various time points. The study will compare the mucosal healing rates at week 12, as well as relapse rates and sustained remission durations over one year. This approach seeks to determine whether early biologic therapy is more beneficial than a gradual step-up treatment strategy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 18 who have been newly diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Not a fit: Patients with mild disease activity or those who have previously received corticosteroids or biologic agents for ulcerative colitis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for pediatric ulcerative colitis, potentially reducing the need for surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific comparison of these two treatment strategies has not been previously studied, early use of biologics has shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. newly diagnosed UC;
2. moderate to severe disease activity
3. Age: 6 to 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

1. with mild disease activity
2. Have been treated with Corticosteroid or biological agents for UC

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

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 Ulcerative ColitisInfliximabChildren
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.