Introducing fiber foods to children with short bowel syndrome

Clinical Tolerance and Microbiome Changes Following Fiber Food Introduction in Short Bowel Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · NCT05432648

This study is testing how well children with short bowel syndrome can handle fiber foods, like green bean puree, to see if it helps improve their nutrition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages4 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05432648 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the tolerance of dietary fiber in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) compared to those without the condition. It focuses on assessing gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in microbiome composition and metabolomics as fiber is gradually introduced into their diet. The intervention involves the use of green bean puree as a source of soluble fiber, with careful monitoring of the participants' responses. The study seeks to provide insights into how fiber can be integrated into the diets of children with SBS to improve their nutritional outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include pediatric patients diagnosed with short bowel syndrome who are actively followed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of intestinal pathologies other than short bowel syndrome may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance dietary management for children with short bowel syndrome, potentially leading to improved nutritional absorption and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited clinical research specifically on fiber in SBS patients, the approach of using dietary interventions has shown promise in related gastrointestinal conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Actively follows at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) outpatient clinics
* SBS arm specific: History of SBS diagnosis. History of short bowel syndrome based on surgical/imaging records. Has ileocecal resection (No ICV) and small bowel is in continuity with some portion of colon
* Control arm specific: No history of intestinal pathologies
* No or negligible amount (few bites of fiber-containing foods okay) of fiber in tube feeds or by mouth at baseline
* Less than 20% calories from oral food not containing fiber while the other 80% may be by enteral and/or parenteral feedings
* At least 20% calories from fiber-free formula taken orally or via tube
* Antibiotic use is allowed, however, should be on a stable regimen of antibiotics starting from 2 weeks prior to intervention until end of study or end of week 3 whichever is sooner. Instances of antibiotic use for brief courses (7-10 days) as long as sample collection is scheduled to be at least a week from the end date of antibiotics.
* Previous history of fiber introduction failure is acceptable as long as clinically stable at the time of recruitment
* Fiber supplementation is appropriate per primary physician
* If subject is unable to provide full set of samples, they will still be enrolled

Exclusion Criteria:

* SBS Arm specific: No diagnosis of SBS. No history of ICV resection.
* Control Arm specific: has baseline intestinal diseases
* Small bowel and colon not in continuity (Ex: presence of ileostomy or jejunostomy)
* \>5% changes in percentage of calories from oral nutrition (PO), enteral nutrition (EN) and/or parenteral nutrition (PN) during the intervention
* Addition/discontinuation/significant alteration to antibiotics regimen during study period
* Primary physician does not think fiber supplementation is appropriate clinically

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 Short Gut Syndrome
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.