MRI as a crystal ball for young liver disease patients?
NCT ID NCT03178630
First seen Aug 19, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study follows 150 young people (ages 6-23) with autoimmune liver disease to see if MRI scans can predict how their condition will progress over the next decade. Participants will have MRI scans at the start and again at one and two years, while their clinical health is tracked for 10 years. The goal is to find out whether MRI-based biomarkers are better than standard tests at forecasting serious complications like liver failure or the need for a transplant.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If MRI biomarkers prove accurate, they could help doctors predict disease progression and complications earlier, potentially guiding treatment decisions and improving long-term care for young patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it won't test a treatment. The MRI measures may not reliably predict outcomes, and results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
About 150 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Feb 2017
- Expected to finish
-
Feb 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
A total of 150 patients between 6 and 23 years of age with a diagnosis of PSC or AIH will be enrolled and followed up to 10 Years.
- Ages
-
6 to 23 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 6-23 years old. 2. Established 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).
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Autoimmune hepatitis are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center
RECRUITINGCincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a T-Cell signature unlock the secrets of autoimmune liver disease?
- Can a shared data network transform care for kids with liver disease?
- Could a simple MRI spare young patients from invasive liver biopsies?
- Can a new drug outperform standard care for a rare liver disease in teens?
- Could a new molecule tame a rare liver disease? early safety trial begins
- Blood test may tame the tightrope walk of transplant drugs