Investigating brain glucose metabolism in people with multiple sclerosis

Deuterium Metabolic Imaging in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Observational University of Aarhus · NCT06611280

This study looks at how brain sugar use differs between people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals to see if it relates to the severity of their condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aarhus C)
Trial IDNCT06611280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare brain glucose metabolism in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) to that of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants will undergo deuterium metabolic imaging, along with physical and cognitive function tests, to assess the relationship between brain metabolism and disease severity. The study will last approximately three hours for each participant, focusing on understanding metabolic differences that may correlate with MS progression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI or those with competing neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of metabolic changes in MS, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into metabolic imaging in MS, this specific approach using deuterium metabolic imaging is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-60 years.
* Definite Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis diagnosis according to the most recent diagnostic criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications for MRI:

Pacemaker, neurostimulator or cholera implant. Metal foreign bodies such as fragments and irremovable piercings. Unsafe medical implants (safety of heart valves, hips and the like must be confirmed).

Claustrophobia. Largest circumference including arms \> 160 cm

* Pregnancy
* Competing neurological, psychiatric, or systemic diseases including diabetes (except prior TIA, unspecific brain MRI findings, hypertension, atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia/cholesterolemia which are allowed).
* Participating in other clinical trials with investigational medical products or drugs.

Where this trial is running

Aarhus C

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 Multiple Sclerosis - Relapsing-remitting
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.