Lung MRI for children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB)

Functional and Structural Imaging of the Lung Using Hyperpolarised Gas and Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Assessment of Lung Function in Paediatrics

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust · NCT07545304

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 typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorSheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Sheffield)
Trial IDNCT07545304 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Sheffield

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: Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis

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.