Microplastic levels in children with and without inflammatory bowel disease
Analysis of Microplastics in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Raman Spectroscopy: A Multi-Matrix Study
This project will test whether children with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have higher levels of microplastics in intestinal tissue, stool, urine, or blood than children without IBD.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Gdansk Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gdansk) |
| Trial ID | NCT07141238 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project collects intestinal tissue (during routine endoscopy), stool, urine, and blood from children under 18 who have IBD and from controls without IBD. Raman spectroscopy will be used to detect and characterize microplastics in each sample type. No medications or experimental interventions are given; samples are collected during clinical procedures already planned. Researchers will compare microplastic detection rates and burden between the IBD and control groups to see if differences exist.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children under 18 undergoing clinically indicated gastrointestinal endoscopy, either with a confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or without any history of IBD, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients 18 or older, those not undergoing endoscopy, or children whose guardians do not provide consent (or who do not provide assent when required) would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could reveal an environmental factor linked to pediatric IBD and support prevention or monitoring strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have detected microplastics in adult stool and some human tissues using spectroscopy, but direct data in pediatric IBD are limited and this application is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years * Undergoing clinically indicated gastrointestinal endoscopy * For IBD group: confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis * For control group: no current or past diagnosis of IBD Exclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Lack of informed consent from legal guardian * Lack of written assent from the participant if age ≥13 years
Where this trial is running
Gdansk
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Allergolgy and Nutrition — Gdansk, Poland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dominika Marszk, MD
- Email: dsierdzinska@gumed.edu.pl
- Phone: +48609619101
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.