Markers of Bone Disease in Children on Parenteral Nutrition (NCT01603472) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Markers of Bone Disease in Children on Parenteral Nutrition
Canada38 participantsStarted 2012-05
Plain-language summary
Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the provision of nutrients via the intravenous route. Parenteral nutrition associated metabolic bone disease (MBD) was first described in children in the 1980s. Since then, there has been little to no research into the underlying relationship and as a result, little evidence on which to base clinical care. In adults, MBD is associated with increased fractures. At the Hospital for Sick children in Toronto, an intestinal failure program has been set up since 2003. This is the only intestinal failure program in Canada and receives country wide referrals. Most of the patients have short bowel syndrome (SBS) and require PN for prolonged periods, or for life. About 90% of these patients have MBD, and some have had bone fractures. An understanding of the etiology of MBD would provide information to guide care, and prevent this condition. Funding for this area of research however is challenging because intestinal failure requiring long term PN is a rare condition, accounting for approximately 200 - 300 children in all of Canada. The goal of this study therefore is to gather pilot data on markers of MBD in children on long term PN, and to compare these markers to age and gender matched control patients who are fed by mouth or feeding tube. The information gathered from this study will help us begin to understand what is actually happening in the bones of children on long term PN and will form the basis for future studies and improved clinical care.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Weeks – 18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. On PN for ≥ 6 consecutive weeks
. Willingness to participate in the study
. Healthy as assessed by history and physical exam.
. Growing normally
. Are not on medications known to affect bone metabolism eg. Corticosteroids.
. Never received PN in the past
Exclusion criteria
. Patients who are on PN for shorter than 6 weeks
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.