Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 10 to 26

Iron supplementation for adolescents with scoliosis

Official title: Kids With Iron Deficiency and Scoliosis (KIDS) Study

Run by Columbia University · NCT06042699 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

More Anemia trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages10 Years to 26 Years
SexAll
Enrollment275 (estimated)
SponsorColumbia University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 11, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 15, 2027
Study endsFebruary 1, 2028
Registry record updatedJune 26, 2026
Trial IDNCT06042699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Columbia University Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.