NCT07032857

Brief Summary

In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of the gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Among the multiple contributing factors, the integrity of the intestinal barrier appears to play a crucial role. Enhanced paracellular permeability ("leaky gut") may allow luminal antigens and microbial metabolites to translocate into the systemic circulation, triggering inflammatory responses that could impact neuropsychological functioning. Several studies suggest that, although intestinal permeability is not universally altered in all individuals with ASD, there exists a subset characterized by selective epithelial dysfunction, especially associated with repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. This project aims to investigate, through a controlled sibling-based design, whether intestinal permeability indices are significantly altered in children with ASD and whether such alterations are specifically correlated with behavioral domains assessed through the ADOS instrument.

Trial Health

57
Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
55

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for all trials

Timeline
Completed

Started Jan 2023

Typical duration for all trials

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 1, 2023

Completed
2.4 years until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

June 10, 2025

Completed
14 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

June 24, 2025

Completed
3 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

September 30, 2025

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

September 30, 2025

Completed
Last Updated

June 27, 2025

Status Verified

June 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

2.7 years

First QC Date

June 10, 2025

Last Update Submit

June 24, 2025

Conditions

Keywords

autism spectrum DisordersIntestinal permeabilityLeaky gut

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • intestinal permeability

    La/Ma ratio and the recovery of specific sugars (lactulose, mannitol, sucrose, sucralose).

    baseline

Study Arms (2)

Autism spectrum disorders

Intestinal Permeability Assessment

Sibilings

Intestinal Permenability Assessmnt

Eligibility Criteria

Age2 Years - 14 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsChild (0-17)
Sampling MethodProbability Sample
Study Population

Children with a clinical diagnosis of ASD according to DSM-IV, confirmed by ADOS-G.

You may not qualify if:

  • Known neurological disorders.
  • Major congenital anomalies.
  • Severe head trauma.
  • Chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Special diets (e.g., gluten-free or gluten/casein-free).
  • Antibiotic or probiotic/prebiotic intake in the previous 4 weeks.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

University Of Bari Aldo Moro

Bari, BA, 70126, Italy

RECRUITING

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITHOUT DNA

24hr Urine

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, PervasiveNeurodevelopmental DisordersMental Disorders

Central Study Contacts

Ruggiero Francavilla, Prof

CONTACT

fernanda Cristofori, MD

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
observational
Observational Model
OTHER
Time Perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Prof

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

June 10, 2025

First Posted

June 24, 2025

Study Start

January 1, 2023

Primary Completion

September 30, 2025

Study Completion

September 30, 2025

Last Updated

June 27, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Locations