Evaluating bone health in adolescents with Crohn disease

Skeletal Health and Bone Marrow Composition in Newly Diagnosed Adolescents With Crohn Disease

Observational Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04508088

This study is trying to see how Crohn disease affects bone health in teenagers by comparing their bone density and marrow fat to those of healthy teens.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment92 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04508088 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates bone marrow composition and bone mineral density in newly diagnosed adolescents with Crohn disease compared to healthy controls. Using advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, the study aims to identify abnormalities in bone marrow fat and its relationship with bone health. The research will also explore the underlying mechanisms affecting bone turnover and health in this population. A total of 46 adolescents with Crohn disease will be matched with 46 healthy peers based on age, puberty stage, and BMI percentile.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adolescents recently diagnosed with Crohn disease or healthy adolescents matched for comparison.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases affecting bone health or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of bone health in adolescents with Crohn disease.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored bone health in IBD, this specific focus on bone marrow composition in adolescents with Crohn disease is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Crohn's Disease diagnosed within the past 3 months, or a healthy, matched control

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with chronic disease known to affect skeletal metabolism
* Participants on certain medications within the prior 3 months that are known to affect skeletal metabolism
* Participants who are pregnant
* Participants who have a history of: claustrophobia, internal body metal that is not compatible with MRI machine, or a known abnormality on or adjacent to the left knee

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseCrohn DiseaseCrohnBone MarrowDual-energy X-ray absorptiometryPeripheral Quantitative Computed TomographyMagnetic Resonance Imaging
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.