Iron supplementation for adolescents with scoliosis

Kids With Iron Deficiency and Scoliosis (KIDS) Study

Not applicable Interventional Columbia University · NCT06042699

This study tests if giving iron supplements to teenagers with scoliosis before their surgery can help them recover better and need fewer blood transfusions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment275 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 26 Years
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06042699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of preoperative oral iron supplementation on adolescents with scoliosis who are iron deficient. The study aims to determine if iron supplementation can reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions and improve postoperative cognitive and physical functioning in these patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either iron supplements or a placebo, and their outcomes will be monitored to assess the impact of iron on surgical recovery. The trial focuses on a population that is particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency due to factors such as menstruation and the demands of surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 11-26 with a diagnosis of scoliosis or kyphosis and low serum ferritin levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are not iron deficient or those with certain hematologic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve surgical outcomes and recovery for adolescents with scoliosis who are iron deficient.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that addressing iron deficiency can improve outcomes in surgical populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 10-26 years old;
2. diagnosis of scoliosis or kyphosis;
3. self-reported ability to swallow a tablet;
4. spinal fusion procedure planned approximately 6 to 24 weeks from an orthopedic surgical clinic visit at which patient agrees to phlebotomy for screening blood work;
5. serum ferritin less than or equal to 25 µg/L.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. taking or planning to take iron-containing supplement on patient's own volition, and not willing to stop for duration of study;
2. taking or planning to take iron-containing supplement as prescribed or recommended under the care of a physician;
3. Hg \<10mg/dL if post-menarchal, Hg \< 11 if premenarchal or male
4. C-reactive protein \> 10 mg/L
5. receiving nutritional support by report in the medical chart;
6. self-reported history of hypersensitivity reaction to iron-containing supplements;
7. self-reported history of or suspected non-iron deficient hematologic disorder;
8. self-reported history of iron overloaded state such as hereditary hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis;
9. objection to receiving red blood cell transfusions;
10. current pregnancy (by self-report);
11. prisoners;
12. patient or parent decides against study participation.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisNeuromuscular ScoliosisPerioperative/Postoperative ComplicationsIron DeficienciesAnemiaSpinal FusionPostoperative Cognitive Dysfunction
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.