Using advanced ultrasound to evaluate liver disease in children

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Low‑methoxy pectin for inflammation, gut microbiome, and metabolic health in MASLD

  This tests whether taking daily low‑methoxy pectin for six weeks can reduce inflammation and improve gut bacteria and metabolic markers in adults with MASLD.

  Recruiting at 3 sites University of Nottingham · Nottingham, United Kingdom and 2 other locations · NCT07093346

• Non-invasive tool to predict fatty liver disease

  This study is testing a new, non-invasive tool to see if it can help identify fatty liver disease in healthy people and those already diagnosed with it.

  Recruiting Richmond Pharmacology Limited · London, London · NCT04873258

• Reset-INSPIRE: See if CGM can reveal insulin sensitivity in people at risk for MASLD

  This study tests whether real-time CGM data can accurately reflect insulin sensitivity in adults without diabetes who are at risk for MASLD.

  Recruiting National University Health System, Singapore · Singapore, Singapore · NCT07861191

• ALN-CIDEB in adults with MASLD to see if it helps the liver

  This study tests whether ALN-CIDEB can help adults with MASLD and its liver damage compared to placebo.

  Recruiting at 4 sites Phase 3 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals · Miami, Florida and 3 other locations · NCT07854782

• See if a Mediterranean-style lifestyle program helps MASLD patients improve liver health

  This trial tests a Mediterranean diet plus personalized exercise plan in adults with MASLD to see if it improves liver and systemic markers.

  Recruiting Fundación Pública Andaluza para la gestión de la Investigación en Sevilla · Roma and 2 other locations · NCT07652151

• Peanut intake and liver health in adults with MASLD

  This study tests whether adding peanuts to daily meals for 12 weeks can improve liver markers and metabolic health in adults with MASLD.

  Recruiting Henry Ford Health System · Detroit, Michigan · NCT07646197

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.