Using fecal microbiota transplantation to treat active Crohn's disease in children

Repeated and Multiple Fecal Microbiota Transplantations Plus Partial Enteral Nutrition as the First-line Treatment in Active Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Not applicable Interventional Tongji Hospital · NCT05321758

This study is testing whether a new treatment using fecal microbiota transplantation along with a special diet can help children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease feel better compared to a traditional treatment with medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations1 site (Wuhan, Hubei)
Trial IDNCT05321758 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of repeated fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) combined with partial enteral nutrition (PEN) as a first-line treatment for active Crohn's disease in pediatric patients. Participants aged 2 to 16 years with newly diagnosed mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease will be divided into two groups: one receiving FMT and PEN, and the other receiving PEN with immunosuppressive agents. The study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of these two approaches, with FMT administered through various routes including oral capsules and enemas. All patients will also receive a polymeric diet to support clinical remission.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2 to 16 years with newly diagnosed mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously been treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate, thiopurines, or anti-TNF agents as their first-line treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective treatment option for children suffering from active Crohn's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with fecal microbiota transplantation in treating gastrointestinal disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

age of older than 2 years and younger than 16 years with no genetic diseases; newly diagnosed with mild-to-moderate CD ( defined by the PCDAI of \>10 and ≤40, and SES-CD of \>3); Subjects with no change in medication or dose at least 1 week prior to transplantation; agree to received regularly colonoscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

patients who were treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate, thiopurines, and anti-TNF agents as their first-line treatment

Where this trial is running

Wuhan, Hubei

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 Crohn Diseasefecal microbiota transplantation
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.