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Celiac Disease in ChildrenNCT06921343

Iron Deficiency in Pediatric Celiac Disease: Diet vs. Iron Supplementation Trial

A study testing Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL) and Gluten-free diet in people with Celiac Disease in Children and Iron Deficiency, run by Kaplan Medical Center at 5 sites in Israel.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to understand how to best manage iron deficiency in children newly diagnosed with celiac disease. Many children with celiac disease have low iron levels, even if they do not have anemia. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 months to 18 years
Conditions the study is for
Celiac Disease in Children, Iron Deficiency
What is being tested?
Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL) and Gluten-free diet
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
150 participants
Where
5 sitesIsrael
Study dates
Apr 2025to Dec 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 months to 18 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Children aged 18 months to 18 years
  • Newly diagnosed with celiac disease (based on ESPGHAN guidelines)
  • Ferritin levels below 15 ng/dL
  • Normal hemoglobin, MCV, and MCH levels for age and sex

Who cannot join

  • IgA deficiency preventing TTG antibody monitoring
  • Potential celiac disease (positive serology with normal intestinal histology)
  • Underlying diseases that may cause anemia (e.g., Inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, certain gastritis types)
  • Diseases affecting iron absorption (e.g., Cystic Fibrosis)
  • Congenital anemia (e.g., Thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis)
  • Prior iron supplementation (>14 days oral iron within 2 months or IV iron within 6 months before diagnosis)

Trial locations and contacts

5 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Yael Zeitek, PhD contact

+972-52-627-4987

5 sites in 1 country

Israel5 sites
  • Assuta Ashdod Medical Center

    Ashdod, Israel, 7747629

    Chani Topf-Olivestone, MD, 972 54-463-8297, chaniolive@gmail.com

    Chani Topf-Olivestone, MD

  • Rambam Medical Center

    Haifa, Israel, 3109601

    Ron Shaoul, MD, +972-50-2063333, shaoul_r@012.net.il

    Ron Shaoul, MD

  • Meir Medical Center

    Kfar Saba, Israel, 4428163

    Eyal Zifman, MD, +972-54-5740004, drzifman@gmail.com

    Eyal Zifman, MD

  • Schneider Children's Medical Center

    Petah Tikva, Israel, 4920235

    Anat Guz, MD, +972544228113, anatguz@gmail.com

    Anat Guz, MD

  • Kaplan Medical Center

    Rehovot, Israel, 7661041

    Tal Ben Ami, MD, 0507414922, tal.ben.ami11@gmail.com

    Yael Zeitak, PhD, +972-52-627-4987, yaelze4@clalit.org.il

Other trials in Israel

About this study

Official title: Iron Deficiency Without Anemia in Children With Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease: A Randomized, Open-Label, Controlled Trial.

This study aims to understand how to best manage iron deficiency in children newly diagnosed with celiac disease. Many children with celiac disease have low iron levels, even if they do not have anemia. While some doctors recommend iron supplements, others believe that simply following a gluten-free diet may be enough to restore iron levels naturally.

In this study, children with newly diagnosed celiac disease and low iron levels (but normal hemoglobin) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Read more

Gluten-Free Diet Only - No additional iron supplements Gluten-Free Diet + Iron Supplementation Researchers will compare iron store levels over one year to see if iron supplements provide any additional benefit beyond the gluten-free diet alone. The study will also track possible side effects of iron supplements, such as stomach discomfort.

This study will help doctors determine the best approach to managing iron deficiency in children with celiac disease, ensuring they receive the safest and most effective treatment.

Read the detailed description

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial designed to evaluate the necessity of iron supplementation in children newly diagnosed with celiac disease and iron deficiency without anemia. The study will compare two treatment strategies:

Gluten-Free Diet Alone Gluten-Free Diet + Iron Supplementation The primary objective is to determine whether a gluten-free diet alone is sufficient to restore ferritin levels or if iron supplementation provides a significant additional benefit.

Study Design \& Methods Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups.

Ferritin levels will be monitored at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months to assess improvements.

The study will also evaluate patient adherence to a gluten-free diet and iron supplementation, quality of life, as well as the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects related to iron supplement use.

This study is expected to provide evidence-based guidance for the management of iron deficiency in pediatric celiac disease, addressing a gap in current clinical recommendations.

Being tested
Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL), Gluten-free diet
Keywords
Celiac disease, Pediatric celiac disease, Iron deficiency, Ferritin levels, Gluten-free diet, Iron supplementation
Medical subject headings
Iron Deficiencies, Celiac Disease

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL)Drug

    Participants randomized to the intervention group will receive oral iron supplementation in addition to a gluten-free diet. The specific iron formulation used in this study is Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL) at a dosage of 6 mg/kg/day, up to a maximum of 100 mg/day, for 3 months.

    The iron supplement will be given once daily, preferably on an empty stomach or with vitamin C-containing foods to enhance absorption. Parents/caregivers will be instructed on proper administration, and adherence will be monitored through weekly self-reported intake logs and pharmacy dispensing records.

    This intervention is specifically targeted at children with newly diagnosed celiac disease and iron deficiency without anemia.

    The study follows a non-inferiority design, comparing the effect of iron supplementation versus a gluten-free diet alone on ferritin levels.

  • Gluten-free dietOther

    Participants in the control group will follow a strict gluten-free diet, the standard-of-care treatment for celiac disease. No iron supplementation will be given. Compliance will be monitored through self-reported adherence and TTG antibody levels at follow-up.

Study groups in NCT06921343
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intervention groupExperimentalGluten-free diet + Oral Iron Supplementation Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL) at a single dose of 6 mg/kg/day, maximum 100 mg/day, for 3 months
Receives: Drug: Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL); Other: Gluten-free diet
Control groupActive comparatorGluten-free diet
Receives: Other: Gluten-free diet

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in ferritin levels from baseline to 12 months

    This study measures the change in serum ferritin levels in children with newly diagnosed celiac disease and iron deficiency (without anemia) over a 12-month period. Participants will have their ferritin levels assessed at:

    Baseline (At Diagnosis) 4 Months 12 Months The primary objective is to determine whether the gluten-free diet alone leads to a ferritin level increase that is non-inferior to the increase seen in children receiving oral iron supplementation in addition to a gluten-free diet.

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

Secondary outcomes (12)
  1. Change in Anti-TTG antibody levels

    Measures the change in anti-TTG IgA antibody levels, which indicates adherence to a gluten-free diet and mucosal healing in celiac disease.

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  2. Self-reported adherence to gluten-free diet

    Intervention group: Weekly parent-reported logs for 3 months

    Control group: Monthly telephone questionnaires for 3 months Adherence will be scored based on self-report of unintentional or intentional gluten ingestion on a scale (0-4)

    Measured: Weekly (for intervention group up to 12 weeks), monthly (via phone, control arm, up to 12 weeks)), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  3. Adherence to iron supplementation (intervention group only)

    Measures compliance with iron supplementation in the experimental group.

    Assessment Methods:

    Parental reporting via weekly logs Pharmacy refill records

    Measured: Weekly up to 3 months after enrollment

  4. Percentage of participants with ferritin ≥15 ng/mL at 12 Months

    Determines the proportion of participants who achieve normal iron stores (Ferritin ≥15 ng/mL) at the 12-month follow-up.

    Helps assess the effectiveness of the interventions in restoring iron stores.

    Measured: 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  5. Change in weight

    Evaluates weight patterns in children with celiac disease by measuring:

    Weight (kg)

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  6. Gastrointestinal symptoms evaluation

    Symptoms recorded in a standardized questionnaire using units on a scale (0-4)

    Measured: Weekly (Intervention Group Only up to 12 weeks)), 4 Months (±1 month), 12 Months (±1 month) after enrollment

  7. Evaluation of hemoglobin levels for anemia

    Monitor hemoglobin levels in both study groups to identify participants who develop anemia, which would necessitate early withdrawal from the study and initiation of iron treatment.

    Hemoglobin blood tests will be conducted at 4 months and 12 months for all participants.

    If a participant develops hemoglobin levels below age-adjusted reference values, the study protocol requires discontinuation from the trial and initiation of iron therapy as per clinical guidelines.

    The frequency of anemia-related study withdrawals will be documented and analyzed.

    Measured: 4 months (±1 month), 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  8. Association of H. pylori at diagnosis with GI symptoms

    Evaluate whether children with H. pylori-positive gastric biopsies at the time of celiac disease diagnosis experience a higher frequency or severity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during follow-up compared to H. pylori-negative participants.

    GI symptoms will be assessed using standardized questionnaires with units on a scale (0-4)

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  9. Change in height

    Evaluates height patterns in children with celiac disease by measuring:

    height (cm)

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  10. Change in BMI

    Evaluates BMI patterns in children with celiac disease. Weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m^2

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  11. Association of H. pylori at diagnosis with Ferritin levels over time

    Assess whether the presence of H. pylori in gastric biopsies at the time of celiac disease diagnosis is associated with the trajectory of ferritin (ng/ml) levels from baseline through 12 months, in both the iron supplementation and diet-only groups.

    Measured: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

  12. Change in anti-TTG IgA antibody levels as an indicator of adherence to gluten-free diet

    Anti-TTG IgA levels in U/mL

    Measured: At 4 months (±1 month) and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Apr 2025
  2. Study startApr 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionDec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
150 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06921343
Sponsor's protocol ID
KMC-25-0038
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
25 Mar 2025
Last updated
10 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The study collects sensitive data on pediatric participants. Due to privacy concerns and limitations in obtaining broad consent for future use of individual-level data, IPD will not be shared.

Publications

  • Ben-Ami T, Trotskovsky A, Topf-Olivestone C, Kori M. Iron deficiency without anemia in children with newly diagnosed celiac disease: 1-year follow-up of ferritin levels, with and without iron supplementation. Eur J Pediatr. 2024 Nov;183(11):4705-4710. doi: 10.1007/s00431-024-05721-1. Epub 2024 Aug 27.

    PubMed 39190044

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose (50 mg/5 mL) and Gluten-free diet in people with Celiac Disease in Children and Iron Deficiency, run by Kaplan Medical Center at 5 sites in Israel.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 5 sites in Israel. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Tal Ben-Ami, M.D (+972-8-9441566, tal.ben.ami11@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in ferritin levels from baseline to 12 months (time frame: At baseline (Day 0), 4 months (±1 month), and 12 months (±1 month) after enrollment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06921343, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Apr 2025.

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