Measuring body fat and liver health in children using advanced MRI techniques
Quantifying Body Composition and Liver Disease in Children using Free-Breathing MRI and MRE
This study is looking at new, gentle ways to take pictures of kids' bodies to check for fat and liver health, especially for those who might have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, so that doctors can help them early without needing any painful procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10560491 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing non-invasive imaging techniques to assess body composition and liver health in children, particularly those at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), the study aims to accurately quantify visceral fat and liver fibrosis without the need for invasive procedures like biopsies. This approach is particularly important for young children who cannot hold their breath during traditional imaging methods. The goal is to improve early diagnosis and treatment options for pediatric obesity and liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are obese or at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those without obesity or liver disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better early diagnosis and management of liver disease in children, potentially preventing severe complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI and MRE for similar applications in adults, but this specific approach for children is novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Holden H — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wu, Holden H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.