Using ultrasound-based measures to check liver health in children
Official title: Imaging-Based Biomarkers for Non-Invasive Pediatric Liver Diagnostics
Run by Sahlgrenska University Hospital · NCT07202910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether ultrasound techniques like shear wave elastography, shear wave dispersion, and attenuation imaging can noninvasively characterize liver disease in children who have or may have liver problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 550 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sahlgrenska University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 28, 2019 |
| Main results expected | March 2030 |
| Study ends | December 2032 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07202910 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 0–18 with suspected or confirmed liver disease who are scheduled for a clinically indicated liver biopsy at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital (and control children scheduled for renal biopsy) are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children not undergoing biopsy, adults, or patients in whom imaging cannot be performed due to technical limitations or inability to consent are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational diagnostic validation project compares multiple novel ultrasound-based imaging biomarkers with liver biopsy findings in children aged 0–18 to determine how well the imaging methods detect fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis. The protocol includes a main cross-sectional comparison at the time of clinically indicated liver biopsy and control subjects undergoing renal biopsy, plus longitudinal follow-up in groups such as liver transplant recipients, children with cystic fibrosis, obesity-associated liver disease, and intestinal failure-associated liver disease. Specific aims include establishing quantitative cutoffs for imaging measures, exploring interactions with clinical and laboratory factors (age, sex, BMI, cholestasis, etc.), and testing whether the imaging markers improve disease surveillance versus conventional ultrasound and blood tests. The study is conducted at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital within Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these imaging biomarkers could reduce the need for liver biopsies and improve noninvasive monitoring of pediatric liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Ultrasound elastography and attenuation techniques have shown promise in adults and in smaller pediatric series, but comprehensive validation against liver biopsy across diverse pediatric liver conditions remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (Study 1-main study) * all patients scheduled for a clinically liver biopsy at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital * any form of suspected or confirmed liver disease * age between 0-18 years * consent by the child/parents to participate. * For controls: children scheduled for a renal biopsy * age between 0-18 years * consent by the child/parents to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * technical limitations regarding the measurements * inability to fully understand the informed consent documents.
Where it's running
-
Department of Radiology, Queen Silvias Children´s Hospital,Gothenburg Sweden
Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hanna Hebelka — Institute of clinical sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University
- Study coordinator: Hanna M Hebelka, Associate Prof.
- Email: hanna.hebelka@vgregion.se
- Phone: +46705667867
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Dihydroartemisinin for MAFLD in Adults
This study tests whether the malaria drug dihydroartemisinin can reduce liver fat in adults with MAFLD.
-
Frequency of MAFLD and its links to nutrition and metabolic risk in rural Bangladesh
This project will see how common MAFLD is and whether nutritional status and metabolic risk factors are linked among adults living in a rural area of Bangladesh.
-
Oral Semaglutide for CKD and MAFLD in adults with diabetes
This study tests whether adding oral semaglutide to standard care can slow kidney and liver disease progression in adults with CKD and MAFLD who have type 2 diabetes.
-
Digital app to help adults with MAFLD manage weight and blood sugar
This trial tests a digital intelligence app that gives remote monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and follow-up to see if it helps adults with MAFLD lose weight and improve blood glucose control.
-
Evaluating NST-6179 for liver disease related to intestinal failure
This study is testing a new drug called NST-6179 to see if it can help adults with liver disease caused by intestinal failure who are on parenteral nutrition.
-
Examining Iron Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients
This study looks at how iron works in the bodies of people on hemodialysis to see how it relates to their overall health and other important minerals.
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.