Eating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With/Without Celiac Disease

NCT ID: NCT07285512

Last Updated: 2025-12-16

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Total Enrollment

300 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-12-15

Study Completion Date

2028-12-15

Brief Summary

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This observational study investigates the prevalence and severity of disordered eating behaviors in adolescents aged 11-17 years with celiac disease. Participants complete validated self-report questionnaires (Youth Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, YEDE-Q, and Parent Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, PEDE-Q) and a structured clinical form. A healthy control group, matched by age and sex, is included for comparison. A longitudinal sub-cohort diagnosed with celiac disease \<6 months prior will be followed at 6, 12, and 24 months to evaluate changes in eating psychopathology and associated clinical variables.

Detailed Description

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Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune condition that requires lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. Adolescence represents a period of heightened vulnerability for the development of disordered eating behaviors, particularly in chronic conditions requiring dietary restrictions. Emerging evidence suggests that youths with CD may be at increased risk of problematic eating behaviors, including shape and weight concerns, dietary restraint, and loss-of-control eating; however, data in pediatric CD populations are limited and inconsistent.

This study aims to characterize eating-related psychopathology in adolescents aged 11-17 years with a diagnosis of CD, using validated instruments adapted for youth (Youth Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, YEDE-Q, and Parent Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, PEDE-Q). The study has both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal component.

The cross-sectional component will compare adolescents with CD to age- and sex-matched healthy controls recruited from outpatient pediatric services and local schools. Participants will complete an online self-report questionnaire battery including the YEDE-Q and a structured clinical and psychosocial survey assessing diagnostic history, gastrointestinal symptoms, lifestyle factors, adherence to the gluten-free diet, academic functioning, and co-morbidities. Parents or caregivers will complete the PEDE-Q. The primary outcome is the global score of the YEDE-Q.

The longitudinal component includes a sub-cohort of adolescents diagnosed with CD within the past six months. These participants will be reassessed at 6, 12, and 24 months post-diagnosis to evaluate trajectories of eating psychopathology and identify factors associated with the emergence, persistence, or remission of disordered eating behaviors over time.

No biological samples are collected, and no experimental interventions are administered. All data are obtained through questionnaires. The study is conducted at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.

The overarching goal is to improve early recognition of disordered eating in adolescents with CD, inform clinical practice, and contribute foundational data for future preventive interventions in this population.

Conditions

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Celiac Disease in Children Eating Behaviors

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

CASE_CONTROL

Study Time Perspective

OTHER

Study Groups

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Celiac disease group

Adolescents aged 11-17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease, established according to the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) criteria (positive serology and/or duodenal biopsy). Participants may be at any time point after diagnosis for the cross-sectional component. A sub-cohort diagnosed \<6 months prior to enrollment will participate in the longitudinal follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months. No interventions are administered; participants complete self-report questionnaires (YEDE-Q) and parents complete the PEDE-Q, along with a structured clinical and psychosocial survey.

No interventions assigned to this group

Healthy control group

Adolescents aged 11-17 years without celiac disease or other chronic medical conditions requiring dietary therapy. Controls are matched to the CD group by age and sex. They are recruited from the general pediatric population of the hospital and from local schools. Participants complete the same self-report questionnaires (YEDE-Q) and structured survey; parents complete the PEDE-Q. Controls are included only in the cross-sectional comparison.

No interventions assigned to this group

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

Celiac Disease Group (Cases)

* Adolescents aged 11 to 17 years
* Confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease according to the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) criteria (positive serology and/or duodenal biopsy)
* Ability to understand and complete questionnaires in Italian
* For the longitudinal cohort: diagnosis \< 6 months prior to enrollment

Healthy Control Group

* Adolescents aged 11 to 17 years
* No diagnosis of celiac disease
* Ability to understand and complete questionnaires in Italian

Exclusion Criteria

* Significant cognitive impairment or developmental disorders preventing questionnaire completion
* Inadequate understanding of the Italian language
* Refusal or inability to provide assent/consent
Minimum Eligible Age

11 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

17 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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IRCCS San Raffaele

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Marina Di Stefano

Doctor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Central Contacts

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Chiara Irene Carla Ferri, Doctor

Role: CONTACT

+393209676736

Other Identifiers

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DAN-CD

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id