MRI Based Biomarkers in Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease

Launched by CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, CINCINNATI · Jun 1, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how MRI scans can help doctors understand and monitor two types of autoimmune liver diseases in young people: Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). These conditions can cause damage to the liver and bile ducts, leading to chronic health problems. The researchers want to see if special MRI techniques, which are safe and non-invasive, can accurately show how much damage has occurred in the liver and bile ducts, helping to guide treatment decisions.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 6 and 23 and have either a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of AIH or PSC. Unfortunately, those who have had a liver transplant, certain types of hepatitis infections, or specific other medical conditions may not be eligible. Participants will undergo MRI scans, and the results will be compared to other tests that look at liver health. This could be an important step towards finding better ways to diagnose and treat autoimmune liver diseases in children and teenagers.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 6-23 years old.
• • 2. Established or suspected clinical diagnosis of AIH or PSC.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of liver transplantation.
• • 2. Chronic Hepatitis B or untreated hepatitis C virus infection.
• • 3. Pregnancy.
• • 4. Absolute contraindication for MRI (e.g. pacemaker, metallic implants, claustrophobia).
• • 5. Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or biliary atresia
• • 6. Diagnosis of cardiac hepatopathy.
• • 7. Diagnosis of Wilson's disease, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, or Glycogen storage disease.
• • 8. Skin conditions which could be aggravated by MREL (i.e. Epidermolysis bullosa).