Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI for lung imaging in infants

Use of Hyperpolarized 129Xe MR Lung Imaging in Infants

Phase 4 Interventional Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT04995562

This study tests a new type of MRI using a special gas to safely check the lungs of newborns in the NICU for common breathing problems.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 6 Months
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT04995562 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI to safely image the lungs of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study aims to assess lung abnormalities in newborns, which are common and can include conditions like respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. By utilizing a non-ionizing imaging technique, the trial seeks to provide a safer alternative to traditional X-ray and CT imaging methods. The approach involves inhaling a hypoxic gas mixture while closely monitoring the infants' oxygen levels during the MRI procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are clinically stable NICU infants aged 0 to 6 months who require supplemental oxygen.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone general anesthesia or sedation within the last 24 hours or those on ECMO support may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective imaging method for diagnosing lung conditions in infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using hyperpolarized gases for lung imaging in older children and adults have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application for infants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
All Cohorts

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female
* Any age NICU inpatient who is clinically stable and with adequate temperature control to tolerate MRI as determined by the primary clinical team

Cohort 1

* Age 0 - 6 months
* NICU patient on oxygen with a nasal cannula (≤ 2L per minute) (unchanged - supplemental O2 for minimum 24 hours)
* Maintaining SpO2 \> 88% on nasal O2

Cohort 2

* Age 0 - 6 months
* NICU patient who requires a slightly higher level of respiratory support (with High Flow Nasal Cannula \> 2L per minute, CPAP, or RAM cannula and O2 unchanged for minimum 24 hours), with FiO2 \< 50%.
* Maintaining SpO2 \> 88% on nasal O2

Exclusion Criteria:

* General anesthesia within 24 hours prior to MRI or other sedation (e.g. morphine, Versed, fentanyl) within the last 4 hours.
* Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support
* Evidence of any respiratory infection within 1 week of testing (imaging may be rescheduled for a common viral infection such as a cold).
* Suspected muscular dystrophy or neurologic disorder that may affect lung development.
* Significant genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that may affect lung development
* Congenital heart disease
* Uncontrolled atrial or ventricular arrhythmia
* Open surgical wounds
* Need for inotropic support
* Need for vasodilator agents
* Need for high level of respiratory support (i.e. FiO2 \>50%, and/or higher respiratory support than listed in Cohort 2 Inclusion Criteria, such as invasive ventilation).
* Standard MRI exclusion criteria as set forth by the CCHMC Department of Radiology (e.g., contraindicated support/implant equipment that is not MR compatible).
* Infant size not compatible with NICU MRI scanner (\~\>4.5kg).

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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.
Conditions LungsDevelopmental Disorder129 Xe MRIhyperpolarized xenonneonatesnasal cannulaHFNCCPAP
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.