Using ultrasound with contrast to assess abdominal injuries in children
Official title: Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography for Blunt Abdominal Trauma Imaging in Children
Run by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · NCT03490929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound can help find abdominal injuries in children with blunt trauma, instead of using a CT scan, to see if it’s a safer option.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 0 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 146 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rochester, Minnesota and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03490929 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are hemodynamically stable children aged 0-18 years with suspected blunt abdominal trauma.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of allergic reactions to the contrast agent or those with penetrating abdominal trauma may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting intra-abdominal organ injuries in children with blunt abdominal trauma, comparing its results to the conventional CT scan, which is currently the gold standard. The study aims to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CEUS, which could potentially reduce the need for CT scans, thereby minimizing radiation exposure and allowing for bedside evaluation. Participants will include hemodynamically stable children aged 0-18 years who have a history of or suspicion for blunt abdominal trauma and have an abdominal CT ordered. The study will utilize sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres as a contrast agent for the ultrasound procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer, radiation-free imaging alternative for children with abdominal trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise for contrast enhanced ultrasound in similar contexts, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Hemodynamically stable (defined as not needing massive transfusion protocol and not undergoing an emergent surgical procedure within the next hour) 2. History of or suspicion for blunt abdominal trauma 3. Abdominal CT ordered or obtained Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of allergic reaction to Lumason, sulfur hexaflouride, sulfur hexafluoride lipid microsphere components, or other ingredients in Lumason (polyethylene glycol, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol sodium (DPPG-Na), palmitic acid) 2. Co-existing penetrating abdominal trauma 3. Known congenital or acquired heart disease
Where it's running
-
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting -
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aaron E Chen, MD — Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Aaron E Chen, MD
- Email: chena2@chop.edu
- Phone: 2674260383
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using Ultrasound to Evaluate Abdominal Injuries in Children After Trauma
This study is testing if a quick ultrasound can help doctors check for abdominal injuries in children after trauma, so they can avoid using CT scans that expose them to radiation.
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.