The Hospital For Sick Children

This study tests two ways to add extra nutrients to breast milk for very low birth weight infants (≤1250 grams) to help them grow and develop better. About 615 babies will be randomly assigned to receive standard fortification or one of two personalized methods (target or BUN adj…

This study tests whether a lower dose of the steroid prednisone can treat relapses of nephrotic syndrome in children as effectively as the standard dose. Fifty children aged 1 to 18 with active relapses will be randomly assigned to either the reduced-dose or standard-dose regimen…

This study tests whether giving severely malnourished children lower-calorie feeds during the first stage of hospital treatment is safe and helps them survive. About 135 children aged 6 months to 5 years will receive either a standard feed or one of two reduced-calorie feeds. Res…

This study tests a support program for teens aged 16-17.5 with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare. The program includes personalized assessments, a transition navigator, and virtual skill-building sessions. Researchers will measu…

This study tests a smartphone app designed to help teens and young adults with multiple sclerosis become more physically active. The app provides coaching, activity tracking, and educational modules. Researchers will measure changes in physical activity levels, fitness, and quali…

This study looks at whether a saliva sample can be used instead of a throat swab to diagnose Group A Strep (strep throat) in children. Throat swabs can be uncomfortable, especially for kids, while collecting saliva is much easier. Researchers will compare saliva testing to standa…

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare genetic condition that greatly increases the risk of developing many types of cancer. This pilot study will test three advanced MRI techniques—whole body STIR MRI, DW-MRI, and PET-MRI—in 30 people with the condition to see how well they can detect v…

Many children are incorrectly labeled as allergic to common antibiotics like amoxicillin, often due to rashes that are not true allergies. This study tests a program in the emergency department where low-risk children receive an oral challenge to see if they can safely tolerate t…

This trial tests a 6-week therapy program for youth (ages 12-17) who come to the emergency department with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The program involves weekly sessions with a therapist for the teen and their family. Researchers want to see if this focused approach reduces…

This pilot study tests a step-by-step nutrition care plan called P-INPAC for children in the hospital. The goal is to see if training staff and using simple screening tools can help catch and manage malnutrition early. About 600 children across three hospitals will be involved, a…

This study follows 500 children under 18 who tested positive for flu, RSV, or COVID-19. Each child takes a daily nose swab for 14 days to measure how the virus levels change over time. Researchers also check if family members get sick. The goal is to understand when kids are most…

This study looks at whether a special ultrasound called elastography can measure changes in skin stiffness in children with localized scleroderma (morphea). The goal is to find a better, non-invasive way to track how well treatment is working. About 20 children and teens will be …

This study looks at how the bacteria in a pregnant woman's gut (her microbiome) and her nutrition affect her baby's growth and health. Researchers are following 800 young pregnant women (28 and under) in Toronto throughout pregnancy and for a year after birth. They collect stool,…

This study tests whether special MRI scans can measure oxygen levels inside children's sarcoma tumors. Low oxygen (hypoxia) can make tumors harder to treat. The scans are done before and after standard chemotherapy or radiation to see if they can predict how well the tumor respon…

This study compares doing a full genome sequencing test as soon as a rare genetic disease is suspected (genomics-first) versus the usual process of waiting to see a specialist first. About 200 children referred to genetics clinics at SickKids or CHEO will take part. Researchers w…

This study uses advanced MRI scans to track lung structure and function in people with cystic fibrosis who are taking CFTR-modulator therapy. Researchers will compare MRI results with standard breathing tests and quality-of-life measures. The study includes healthy volunteers, st…

This study looks at a procedure called remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) for newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gut disease. RIC involves briefly inflating a blood pressure cuff on the baby's arm to protect the gut from damage. The main goal is to see if a …

This study looks at how well healthy adults over 60 absorb tryptophan, an essential amino acid, from cornmeal. Corn is a major food source worldwide, but its protein quality is limited. By measuring breath samples after controlled meals, researchers aim to improve protein recomme…