Examining how different feeding methods affect gut health in newborns with gastrointestinal issues

The Influence of Feeding Source on the Gut Microbiome and Time to Full Feeds in Neonates With Congenital Gastrointestinal Pathologies

Not applicable Interventional Seattle Children's Hospital · NCT06072976

This study is testing whether feeding newborns with gastrointestinal issues an exclusive human milk diet helps improve their gut health and feeding progress compared to standard feeding methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment116 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeattle Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06072976 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of an exclusive human milk diet compared to standard feeding practices on feeding outcomes and gut microbiome composition in infants with congenital gastrointestinal pathologies. By focusing on conditions such as gastroschisis and Hirschsprung disease, the research aims to determine how these feeding sources influence the time to achieve full feeds. The study will enroll eligible infants and monitor their feeding progress and gut health over a specified period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants diagnosed with congenital gastrointestinal conditions like gastroschisis, intestinal atresia, or Hirschsprung disease.

Not a fit: Patients who have already started feeding or those with certain contraindications to milk will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved feeding strategies that enhance gut health and recovery in vulnerable neonates.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated that human milk can positively influence gut health in neonates.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants with gastroschisis, giant omphalocele, intestinal atresia, mid-gut volvulus, hirschsprungs disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Infant has already been on feeds
2. Infants \<34 weeks gestation
3. Parents with contraindications to providing milk (i.e. drug use-cocaine, fentanyl, meth BUT oxy/suboxone/marijuana OK)
4. Complicated gastroschisis
5. Short gut syndrome
6. Additional congenital anomalies that affect ability to tolerate milk (i.e. cyanotic congenital heart disease BUT kidney disease ok)

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

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 Gastrointestinal ComplicationIntestinal ObstructionGastroschisisHirschsprung DiseaseOmphaloceleMidgut Volvulus
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.