Could a probiotic help kids with arthritis?
NCT ID NCT03092427
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether taking a probiotic called VSL#3, alongside standard treatment, can reduce disease activity in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Fifty-one children aged 1 to 7 with specific types of JIA took either the probiotic or a placebo. Researchers measured changes in arthritis symptoms and looked at the bacteria in their stool.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Probiotic VSL#3 (a dietary supplement containing live bacteria)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, safe add-on treatment to help control arthritis in children.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 51 children. The probiotic may not improve symptoms or change the gut bacteria enough to make a difference.
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.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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51 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2017
- Finished
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Sep 2022
- 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.
- Ages
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1 year to 7 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Age ≥1year and \<7years * Patients with oligoarthritis and polyarthritis with rheumafactor negative and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positive JIA with onset before the age of 6 years Exclusion Criteria: * Change of JIA forme
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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
-
Robert Debre Hospital
Paris, 75019, France
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could the mouth reveal clues about juvenile arthritis activity?
- Can a diet calm inflamed joints in children with arthritis?
- Can better sleep ease pain in teens with rheumatic disease?
- Can a biologic drug tame juvenile arthritis in kids?
- Simple core workouts may tame pain and fatigue in kids with arthritis
- Hidden muscle loss in young arthritis patients under the microscope