ClinicalTrials.gg
Not yet recruitingNCT06995274Updated May 29, 2025

Umbilical Cord Blood Therapy in a Child With Eosinophilic Duodenitis and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Case Study

An interventional study of Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion (Autologous and Allogeneic) in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders, sponsored by Bundang CHA Hospital. Not yet recruiting. Open to male participants aged 4 Years to 4 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-05-29.

Sponsored by Bundang CHA Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Primary completion was expected by Dec 2025, 10 months ago, but the record still lists the study as not yet recruiting.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
1
Allocation
Not applicable
Ages
4 Years to 4 Years
Sex
Male
01

Study summary

This single-case exploratory clinical study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of umbilical cord blood (UCB) infusion in a pediatric patient diagnosed with both eosinophilic duodenitis (ED) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ED is a rare inflammatory gastrointestinal condition characterized by excessive eosinophil infiltration in the duodenal mucosa, often associated with immune hypersensitivity and allergic responses. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by deficits in social interaction, communication, and behavioral flexibility. Recent evidence suggests a link between gastrointestinal inflammation and neurodevelopmental symptoms via the gut-brain axis, especially in patients with co-occurring ASD and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs).

In this study, the patient will receive three UCB infusions: one autologous and two allogeneic. The first (autologous) UCB is stored at a certified cord blood bank and will be administered intravenously. Subsequently, two allogeneic UCB infusions will be administered six weeks apart using HLA-matched donor units selected from a hospital-based cord blood repository. The cell product will contain a minimum of 3 × 10⁷ total nucleated cells per kg, and donor-recipient compatibility for HLA A, B, and DRB1 will be considered.

To support immune tolerance and reduce potential adverse responses, a 7-day course of low-dose oral cyclosporine will be administered with each allogeneic infusion. All cord blood handling, thawing, and infusion will be performed in a cell therapy center under standardized protocols.

The primary aim is to explore the immune regulatory effects and symptom relief following UCB therapy in this rare comorbid case. Assessments will include brain MRI with DTI, EEG, fNIRS, sensory profiles (SP), social communication questionnaires (SCQ), autism rating scales (K-CARS-2), behavioral checklists (CBCL), gastrointestinal endoscopy, and developmental/cognitive/language assessments (e.g., WISC, WPPSI, GMFM, VMI, SELSI, PRES, FIM). Blood samples will be analyzed for eosinophil counts and gene/protein expression related to inflammation, neuroendocrine function, and gut-brain signaling (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, CRH, BDNF).

This case study will also track safety indicators including vital signs, laboratory panels, and adverse events. The data may inform the feasibility of future therapeutic use of UCB in children with complex immune-neurodevelopmental conditions.

02

Conditions studied

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders
03

In context

Autism Spectrum Disorder

1,724 studies on the registry are indexed under Autism Spectrum Disorder; 500 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 1 is below the median of 52 across 1,368 interventional studies indexed under Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Browse Autism Spectrum Disorder studies →

Lead sponsor

Bundang CHA Hospital is the lead sponsor of 35 studies on the registry; 18 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
4 Years to 4 Years
Sexes eligible
Male
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  1. Child aged 4 years at the time of enrollment
  2. Diagnosed with both eosinophilic duodenitis (ED) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  3. Actively receiving outpatient care at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center
  4. Autologous cord blood available and stored at an accredited cord blood bank
  5. Written provided by a legally authorized representative (parent or guardian) after receiving a full explanation of the study

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Presence of a severe uncontrolled medical condition that may interfere with cord blood infusion or study assessments
  2. History of severe allergic reaction to components of the product or agents (e.g., cyclosporine)
  3. Current or recent participation (within 30 days) in another interventional clinical trial
  4. Any to MRI, EEG, or fNIRS assessments (e.g., implanted metal device, severe behavioral intolerance)
  5. Determined by the principal investigator to be unsuitable for participation due to safety concerns or noncompliance
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(4)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

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Investigational drug or device

A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.

It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.

Immunosuppression

A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.

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Contraindication

A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
1 participant (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    umbilical cord blood

    This is a single-arm, open-label, exploratory case study involving one pediatric participant diagnosed with both eosinophilic duodenitis (ED) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The intervention includes a series of three intravenous umbilical cord blood (UCB) infusions: one autologous UCB infusion followed by two allogeneic UCB infusions at 6-week intervals. Each infusion is performed under sterile conditions at a hospital-based cell therapy center. The donor UCB units are selected based on HLA compatibility (minimum 3/6 match for HLA-A, B, DRB1) and total nucleated cell count (≥ 3×10⁷ cells/kg). The allogeneic infusions are accompanied by a 7-day low-dose oral cyclosporine regimen to reduce the risk of immune rejection. The total study period includes baseline evaluation, three infusion sessions, and multiple post-infusion follow-up assessments over three months.

    Biological: Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion (Autologous and Allogeneic)

Interventions

  • BiologicalUmbilical Cord Blood Infusion (Autologous and Allogeneic)

    Drug page: Cord blood

    The intervention consists of three intravenous infusions of umbilical cord blood (UCB) in a pediatric patient diagnosed with both eosinophilic duodenitis (ED) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The first infusion uses autologous UCB stored at a certified cord blood bank. The second and third infusions use allogeneic UCB units selected from a hospital-based donor cord blood bank. Donor units are matched at a minimum of 3 out of 6 HLA loci (HLA-A, B, DRB1) and contain ≥ 3×10⁷ total nucleated cells per kilogram of body weight. Each infusion is administered intravenously via peripheral vein at the Cell Therapy Center of CHA Bundang Medical Center. Prior to each infusion, the participant receives premedication with intravenous chlorpheniramine maleate (0.6 mL/10 kg) to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. For allogeneic infusions, oral cyclosporine (0.07 mL/kg twice daily) is administered for 7 days (3 days before, day of, and 3 days after infusion) to minimize immune-mediated reactions

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Feasibility and Safety of Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion in a Child with Eosinophilic Duodenitis and Autism Spectrum Disorder

    The number and severity of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) related to cord blood infusion will be assessed and categorized using MedDRA and CTCAE v5.0. Unit of measure is number of participants with AE or SAE

    Time frame: From baseline (within 6 months prior to first infusion) through 3 months after the final (third) UCB infusion (approximately 4-5 months total)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Sensory Processing Scores (Sensory Profile)

    To evaluate changes in sensory processing characteristics following umbilical cord blood (UCB) therapy using the Sensory Profile (SP), a standardized parent-report questionnaire assessing how sensory processing affects daily functioning. Improvement may indicate reduced sensory dysregulation, a common feature in ASD.

    Time frame: Baseline (within 6 months prior to first infusion), 7 days after each infusion, and 3 months after final infusion

  2. Change in Social Communication (SCQ Score)

    To assess changes in social communication behaviors and core ASD symptoms using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). These tools measure social reciprocity, communication, and autism symptom severity. Unit of Measure: Points (0-40)

    Time frame: Baseline, 7 days after each infusion, and 3 months after final infusion

  3. Change in Behavioral Functioning (CBCL)

    To monitor changes in behavioral and emotional functioning using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a standardized parent-report measure of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Unit of Measure: Points

    Time frame: Baseline, 7 days after each infusion, and 3 months after final infusion

  4. Change in Brain Connectivity and White Matter Integrity (MRI with DTI)

    Measures white matter integrity via fractional anisotropy from DTI scans.Unit of Measure: FA value (unitless, 0-1 scale)

    Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after final infusion

  5. Change in Cortical Hemodynamic Response (fNIRS)

    To assess changes in prefrontal cortex activation during social and cognitive tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), particularly during facial expression recognition and resting-state conditions. Unit of Measure: μmol/L

    Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after final infusion

  6. Change in EEG Patterns

    EEG analysis of relative power in frequency bands, pre-post UCB herapy, using AI (iSyncBrain).Unit of Measure: μV²/Hz

    Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after final infusion

  7. Duodenal Eosinophil Count (if clinically indicated)

    Duodenal Eosinophil Count (if clinically indicated) Unit of Measure: Eosinophils per high power field (HPF)

    Time frame: Baseline, 7 days after each infusion, and 3 months after final infusion

  8. Change in Autism Severity (K-CARS-2)

    To assess changes in core ASD symptoms using the Korean-Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition (K-CARS-2). These tools measure social reciprocity, communication, and autism symptom severity. Unit of Measure: Points (15-60)

    Time frame: Baseline, 7 days after each infusion, and 3 months after final infusion

  9. Peripheral Blood Eosinophil Count

    Change in Gastrointestinal Inflammation, Cells/μL

    Time frame: Baseline, 7 days after each infusion, and 3 months after final infusion

07

Study locations

No study locations are listed for this record.

08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Start is estimated for Jun 2025; primary completion for Dec 2025, 6 months later.

Of 800 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Autism Spectrum Disorder, half reached primary completion within 25 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 12 and three quarters within 48. This study's planned 6 months is below that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 823 studies reached it within 25 months; a quarter within 12 and three quarters within 47.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
May 11, 2025
First posted
May 29, 2025
StartEst.
Jun 1, 2025
Primary completionEst.
Dec 31, 2025
CompletionEst.
Dec 31, 2025
Last update
May 29, 2025
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 29, 2025, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06995274
Lead sponsor
Bundang CHA Hospital
Responsible party
MinYoung Kim, MD, PhD (Principle Investigator, Bundang CHA Hospital) — Principal investigator
First posted
May 29, 2025
Start date
Jun 1, 2025 (estimated)
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2025 (estimated)
Completion
Dec 31, 2025 (estimated)
Last update
May 29, 2025

Study contacts

Soyoung Choi
Contact
csy505@chamc.co.kr
82 031 780 6003 ext. 6003

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in May 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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Studies of the drug tested here: Cord blood

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