Lung MRI for children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB)
Official title: Functional and Structural Imaging of the Lung Using Hyperpolarised Gas and Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Assessment of Lung Function in Paediatrics
Run by Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust · NCT07545304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will try using MRI to look at the lungs of children aged 5–17 with suspected PBB so they might avoid anaesthesia and radiation from bronchoscopy and CT.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Sheffield) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07545304 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 5–17 with a high suspicion of PBB who can follow instructions, have an English-speaking family member, and have no contraindications to MRI.
✕Probably not a fit
Children younger than 5, those unable to cooperate with MRI, those without an English-speaking family member, or those with MRI contraindications are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will use non-radiation MRI scans to image the lungs of children aged 5–17 who have a high clinical suspicion of PBB and are being considered for bronchoscopy. Children who can follow instructions and have no contraindications to MRI will undergo lung MRI, and scans will be compared with clinical findings and any bronchoscopy or CT results when available. Parental consent and child assent are required and all procedures are performed at Sheffield Children's Hospital. The aim is to see if MRI can provide diagnostic or monitoring information without the need for general anaesthesia or ionising radiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If MRI reliably shows the lung changes of PBB, it could reduce the need for bronchoscopy under anaesthesia and CT scans that expose children to radiation.
How similar studies have gone: Lung MRI has shown promise in other paediatric lung diseases, but using MRI specifically for diagnosing PBB is relatively new and not yet widely validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Male and female children aged 5 to 17 years old * High suspicion of PBB requiring bronchoscopy * Be able to follow instructions * English speaking family member Exclusion Criteria: Outside of age range * Significant learning difficulties or inability to follow instructions * Informed consent / assent has not been provided * No English-speaking member of the family * Contraindications for MRI scanning
Where it's running
-
Sheffield Children's Hospital
Sheffield, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicki Barker
- Email: nicki.barker@nhs.net
- Phone: 01142717227
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.