Exploring nerve cell growth in children with Hirschsprung's Disease
Investigating the Interaction of the Enteric Nervous System With the Extrinsic Nervous System and the Immune System in Children and Development of Cell Therapies for Hirschsprung's Disease
This study is trying to see if nerve stem cells in the bowel of children with Hirschsprung's Disease can grow into healthy nerve cells to help improve their bowel function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 0 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Liverpool, Merseyside) |
| Trial ID | NCT06590142 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on children diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease, a condition where nerve cells are absent in the lower bowel, leading to severe complications if untreated. Researchers aim to investigate the presence of nerve stem cells in the bowel and their potential to develop into functional nerve cells, which could improve bowel function. By comparing nerve stem cells from affected and unaffected bowel regions, the study seeks to understand their growth and development into neurospheres. This could pave the way for innovative treatments that address the underlying nerve deficiencies in Hirschsprung's Disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children undergoing therapeutic intestinal resection for Hirschsprung's Disease.
Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone complete resection of affected bowel tissue may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore normal bowel function in children with Hirschsprung's Disease, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into nerve regeneration, this specific approach using neurospheres from Hirschsprung's Disease patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Any child undergoing therapeutic intestinal resection (but specifically those in which it is not necessary for all resected tissue to be sent for histopathological analysis, as no additional tissue will be removed for research purposes). Exclusion Criteria: • None
Where this trial is running
Liverpool, Merseyside
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust — Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rachel Harwood, MBBS
- Email: rachel.harwood@alderhey.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01512824998
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.