Testing iron supplements to help children with kidney disease and low blood counts

Plain-English translation of NCT03991169 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.

What is this trial?

This is a pilot study testing whether oral iron sulfate can help children with chronic kidney disease who have mild anemia. About 40 children will be randomly assigned to either take iron sulfate or not take it for 3 months. The research team will then measure changes in muscle strength, how active the children are, and any changes in eating habits.

Children with chronic kidney disease often develop anemia (low red blood cell counts), which can make them feel tired and weak. Doctors want to know if this treatment can safely improve strength and daily activity in these children, and whether it might help them eat better.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 1 and 21 years old
you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease with reduced kidney function
you have mild anemia with hemoglobin levels below a certain threshold (different for different ages)
your blood iron levels show you could benefit from iron therapy
you have not received iron therapy or similar treatments in the past 3 months

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very low iron storage in your body
you have received iron therapy, erythropoietin therapy, or a blood transfusion in the past few months
you are currently on hemodialysis for kidney failure
your kidney function is declining rapidly or you are expected to need transplantation or dialysis within 3 months
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

If you join, you'll be randomly assigned to either take oral iron supplements or not take them for 3 months. You'll visit the clinic at the start and end of the study period, where the research team will measure your muscle strength (if you're older than 3), ask about your physical activity and eating habits, and do routine blood tests. The study lasts about 3 months from start to finish.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania