Could a common laxative soothe gut inflammation in cystic fibrosis?

NCT ID NCT04458129

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial investigates whether polyethylene glycol (a laxative) can reduce intestinal inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis. The study includes children aged 4 to 17 with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency who have elevated fecal calprotectin (a marker of gut inflammation). Participants take polyethylene glycol daily for 3 months, and the main goal is to see if their calprotectin levels drop below a certain threshold, indicating reduced inflammation.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 4000)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to manage gut inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis, improving digestive health.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 23 participants. The treatment may not reduce inflammation enough, and results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

cystic fibrosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU de Bordeaux

    Bordeaux, 33000, France