A Super-Microscope could spot acid reflux in Kids—Without guesswork?
NCT ID NCT01921686
First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Summary
This study explores whether a very high-powered microscope can help diagnose acid reflux disease (GERD) in children by examining tiny gaps between cells in the esophagus. Researchers will compare biopsy samples from children with GERD, those with a related condition called eosinophilic esophagitis, and healthy controls. The goal is to see if these gaps, called dilated intercellular spaces, are a reliable marker for GERD, potentially offering a more precise diagnostic tool.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Esophageal biopsy samples analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a more accurate, objective way to diagnose acid reflux in children, reducing reliance on subjective symptoms and pH monitoring.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study with a small sample size, so the findings may not apply to all children. The technique requires invasive biopsies and specialized equipment, limiting its widespread use.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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