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A Super-Microscope could spot acid reflux in Kids—Without guesswork?
NCT ID NCT01921686
First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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54 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Mar 2013
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Children between the ages of 8-18 years scheduled for endoscopy for clinical indication.
- Ages
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8 to 18 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria for GERD or EoE Subjects: * Children between the ages of 8-18 years * Suspected diagnosis of GERD or EoE based on symptom criteria * Able to tolerate upper endoscopy examination with biopsies Inclusion Criteria for Control Subjects: * Children between the ages of 8-18 * Scheduled for EGD for clinical indications * No history of esophageal disease of esophageal symptoms * Able to tolerate upper endoscopy examination with biopsies Exclusion Criteria for GERD or EoE Subjects: * History of Barrett's esophagus * Previous esophageal or gastric surgery * History of congenital defect/malformation of the esophagus * Diagnosis of Crohn disease Exclusion Criteria for Control Subjects: * Symptoms of GERD or EoE (including heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing).
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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