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.
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.
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
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