Appetite pill may help Tube-Fed kids switch to eating
NCT ID NCT03815019
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Orlando, Florida, 32806, United States
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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Children's Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, United States
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Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego
San Diego, California, 92123, United States
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Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
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Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States