Appetite pill may help Tube-Fed kids switch to eating

NCT ID NCT03815019

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a drug called megestrol (an appetite stimulant) could help children aged 9 months to 9 years who rely on feeding tubes transition to eating by mouth. About 70 kids received either megestrol or a placebo, along with a 24-week behavioral feeding program. The main goal was to see if more children could get at least 90% of their calories from oral feeding.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: megestrol acetate (appetite stimulant)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, short-term medication to help children with feeding tubes learn to eat by mouth, reducing dependence on tube feeding.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed phase 4 trial with only 70 participants, so results may not apply to all children. Megestrol can cause side effects like adrenal insufficiency, and the benefit may be modest.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder Feeding Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FEEDING BEHAVIOR FEEDING DISORDER OF INFANCY OR EARLY CHILDHOOD

Contacts and locations

Locations

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Orlando, Florida, 32806, United States
Boston Children's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Children's Mercy Hospital

Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, United States
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego

San Diego, California, 92123, United States
Rhode Island Hospital

Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

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