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Considerations in the rational design and conduct of phase I/II pediatric clinical trials: avoiding the problems and
S M Abdel-Rahman1, M D Reed, T G Wells
1Division of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology and Medical Toxicology, The Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. srahman@cmh.edu
Insights
Pediatric drug development requires careful trial design. Ensuring trained pediatric investigators are involved in designing and interpreting phase I/II clinical trials is crucial for patient safety and effective research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Clinical Trial Design
- Drug Development
Background:
- Growing awareness necessitates including children in drug development.
- Increased infrastructure and sponsorship for pediatric clinical trials observed.
- Pediatric research growth often lacks sufficient investigator expertise in trial design and interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight essential elements for pediatric phase I/II clinical trial protocols.
- To emphasize unique considerations for trials involving pediatric populations.
- To illustrate potential problems arising from non-pediatric-focused trial designs.
Main Methods:
- Review of pediatric phase I/II clinical trial protocols.
- Analysis of common design flaws.
- Case illustrations from practical experience.
Main Results:
- Pediatric phase I/II protocols vary significantly in quality.
- Inadequate consideration of pediatric-specific needs can lead to design flaws.
- Lack of trained pediatric investigator involvement impacts trial integrity.
Conclusions:
- Careful design of pediatric clinical trials is paramount.
- Involvement of experienced pediatric investigators is critical for successful trials.
- Addressing specific pediatric needs in trial design enhances patient safety and data validity.
Abstract:
Over the past decade, there has been a heightened awareness of the need to include children in the drug development process. With this awareness has come an expansion of the infrastructure for conducting studies in children and an increase in the sponsorship of pediatric clinical trials. However, the growth in pediatric research has, in many cases, not been accompanied by an increase in the involvement of trained pediatric investigators when it comes to trial design and/or interpretation. Pediatric phase I/II protocols continue to span a spectrum from those that are carefully constructed to those that are poorly designed. This paper highlights the basic elements of phase I/II protocols that merit unique consideration when the clinical trial involves children. Illustrations are provided from our experience, which highlight problems that may arise when trials are not designed with the pediatric patient in mind.
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