Using advanced ultrasound to evaluate liver disease in children
Quantitative Ultrasound to Assess Steatotic Liver Disease in Children
University of California, San Diego · NCT06706856
This study is testing new ultrasound methods to see if they can help doctors better detect and monitor liver fat in children at risk for liver disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (La Jolla, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06706856 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research focuses on developing advanced ultrasound techniques to non-invasively assess metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. The study aims to create and validate quantitative ultrasound (QUS) models that can accurately estimate liver fat fraction and classify fatty liver presence. Participants will undergo ultrasound exams using both full-size and handheld devices, with results compared to established liver MRI methods. The goal is to improve detection and monitoring tools for children at risk of MASLD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 9 to 18 years with risk factors for MASLD.
Not a fit: Patients with known liver diseases other than MASLD or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and accessible methods for diagnosing and monitoring liver disease in children.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for liver assessment, but this specific approach is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 9 to 18 years * Presence of risk factors for having MASLD * Ability and willingness of participant or legal guardian/parent to give written informed consent * Participant is willing to give written assent * Able and willing to undergo all study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Known liver disease other than MASLD * Pregnant or trying to become pregnant * Inability to undergo an MR study: weight exceeding scanner table limit, waist circumference \> 140 cm, claustrophobie, and/or metal implants.
Where this trial is running
La Jolla, California
- University of California San Diego — La Jolla, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeffrey B Schwimmer, MD — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Amy Alba
- Email: amalba@health.ucsd.edu
- Phone: 619-543-5228
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: MASLD, MASLD - Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, steatosis, quantitative ultrasound, quantitative MRI, fat fraction, PDFF