New quick MRI method for pediatric kidney disease

The Validity of the Quick Renal MRI in Pediatric Kidney Disease

Not applicable Interventional University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT03959163

This study is testing a new, faster MRI method for kids with kidney problems to see if it can better detect infections and damage without using radiation or injections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT03959163 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a new imaging technique called quick renal MRI, designed for children with congenital urinary tract anomalies who are at risk for kidney infections and scarring. The quick renal MRI aims to provide a rapid, injection-, sedation-, and radiation-free alternative to the current standard, the 99mTc-DMSA renal scan, which is time-consuming and involves radiation exposure. The study will compare the effectiveness of the quick renal MRI in detecting acute renal infections and scars against the DMSA scan. Participants will include children aged 0-21 years, with varying study durations depending on their enrollment aim.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 0-21 years admitted for febrile urinary tract infections or diagnosed pyelonephritis.

Not a fit: Patients without evidence of pyuria or negative urine cultures, as well as those with contraindications to MRI, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging method could significantly reduce the burden of testing for children with chronic renal disease by eliminating the need for sedation and radiation exposure.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, it builds on existing imaging techniques, and similar studies have shown promise in improving pediatric imaging methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aim 1:

  * Patient is admitted to American Family Children's Hospital for a febrile UTI, suspected pyelonephritis, or diagnosed pyelonephritis
  * Undergoing clinical DMSA scan
* Aim 2:

  * Undergoing DMSA scans as a part of their routine clinical care
  * History of more than one UTI in the past year

Exclusion Criteria:

* Aim 1:

  * No evidence of pyuria on their urine analysis
  * Negative urine culture
  * Not comfortable with having a Quick MRI performed
* Both aims:

  * Contraindications to MRI

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

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 PyelonephritisPyelonephritis AcuteRenal Sclerosis
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.