Developing MRI biomarkers for juvenile arthritis

The Development and Validation of Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers as a Measure of Disease Activity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

University College London Hospitals · NCT02684695

This study is trying to see if MRI scans can help track how active juvenile idiopathic arthritis is in young people aged 12-24.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity College London Hospitals (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT02684695 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop and validate quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers to measure disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), including enthesitis-related arthritis. Patients aged 12-24 with a diagnosis of JIA will undergo MRI scans as part of their routine clinical care. The study will also include control subjects with mechanical back pain to provide a comparative analysis. The research will consist of several sub-studies focused on the effectiveness of MRI in assessing JIA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 12-24 diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis or enthesitis-related arthritis.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to undergo MRI scans due to contraindications or those with conditions unrelated to juvenile arthritis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for monitoring and managing juvenile arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using MRI for assessing arthritis, but this specific approach is novel in its focus on quantitative biomarkers for JIA.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* For cases, patients will have clinical diagnosis of JIA: enthesitis-related arthropathy, extended oligoarthritis or polyarthritis (defined according to ILAR criteria)
* For controls, patients will have a diagnosis of mechanical back pain (though to arise from muscles, bones, ligaments or discs), with normal inflammatory markers
* Age 12-24

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contra-indication to MRI scan (e.g. metal foreign object)
* Unable to give consent
* Unable to speak English
* Unable to tolerate an MRI scan (e.g. due to claustrophobia, contrast allergy)
* Renal or hepatic failure (eGFR \< 30ml/min for renal failure, where applicable)

Where this trial is running

London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic, Enthesitis-Related Arthritis, Juvenile, Magnetic resonance imaging, Imaging biomarker, Diffusion-weighted imaging

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.