Comparing water versus polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before MRE in Crohn's disease
WAter Preparation for Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Crohn's Disease
This study will test whether drinking water works as well as polyethylene glycol to distend the small bowel before an MRE for adults with Crohn's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 194 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toulouse) |
| Trial ID | NCT06690632 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with Crohn's disease who need a magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are randomized to receive either the standard polyethylene glycol (PEG) oral contrast or water as the bowel distension agent. Each participant undergoes a single MRE after drinking the assigned preparation (typically 1–1.5 L), and radiologists score global small-bowel distension using a previously validated scale. Participants also complete questionnaires about tolerability and side effects to compare patient experience between preparations. The study excludes patients with standard MRI or gadolinium contraindications and those unable to provide informed consent.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with Crohn's disease who have been referred for an MRE and can tolerate drinking the required oral preparation are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 18, those with MRI or gadolinium contraindications, or those unable to drink large volumes are unlikely to benefit or be eligible to participate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If water provides equivalent bowel distension, patients could experience fewer side effects, lower cost, and a simpler preparation.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller studies and clinical reports have suggested water can yield adequate distension, but randomized evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease, * need for MRE (determined by patient's gastroenterologist) Exclusion criteria: * \< 18 years old, * inability to obtain an informed consent, * patient under guardianship or curatorship, allergy to PEG, * contraindication to MRE (pregnancy, pace maker, claustrophobia in particular), - contraindication to phloroglucinol administration (phenylcetonuria), * contraindication to gadolinium administration (kidney failure with glomerular filtration rate \< 30/mL/1.73m², pregnancy, allergy).
Where this trial is running
Toulouse
- CHU Toulouse — Toulouse, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guillaume Dr LE COSQUER, MD
- Email: lecosquer.g@chu-toulouse.fr
- Phone: +33 (0)5 61 32 20 45
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.