Old drug, new hope: spironolactone may help kids with rare Autism-Linked gene mutations
NCT ID NCT06678685
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether spironolactone, a common diuretic, can improve learning and behavior in children aged 3–10 with NCOR gene mutations, which are linked to autism spectrum disorder. Only 2 children will be enrolled, and researchers will measure changes in intelligence and autism symptoms. The drug is already used safely in children for other conditions, but this is an early exploratory trial.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- spironolactone
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a treatment for learning and memory problems in children with certain NCOR gene mutations.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 2 children, so results may not apply broadly. Spironolactone is generally safe but can affect potassium levels and blood pressure.
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
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Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
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About 2 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
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.
- Ages
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3 to 10 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ADOS-2 diagnostic criteria for autistic children 2. Patients with NCOR related gene mutation detected by whole exon test; 3. Age: 3-10 years old; 4. The subject and (or) guardian sign the informed consent, agreeing that the researcher will cooperate with the clinical trial process and collect clinical data and peripheral blood and urine samples; Exclusion Criteria: 1. have other pathogenic mutations (confidence higher than the NCOR related mutation); 2. Boys over 10 years old; 3. Allergic to spironolactone, used spironolactone one month before enrollment; 4. Hyperkalemia, serum potassium concentration \> 5.5mmol/L; 5. Renal insufficiency; 6. Used related drugs one month before enrollment: potassium supplement, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, digoxin, coletenamine, acetylsalicylic acid, abiraterone; 7. Fever (body temperature above 37.3°); 8. Clinically significant metabolic, hematological, liver, immune, urological, endocrine, neurological, pulmonary, psychiatric, skin, allergic, renal, or other major conditions in the determination of ASD that may affect the interpretation of study findings or patient safety.
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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
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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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Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
RECRUITINGJinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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