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Understanding Liver Disease in Children with Advanced Ultrasound

This research study is looking at new ways to use ultrasound to check for a liver condition called MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) in children. MASLD means there's too much fat in the liver. Researchers want to see how well these new ultrasound methods work compared to established methods like MRI. You would have an MR exam, an abdominal US exam (possibly with a small handheld device), a blood draw, and physical measurements. You would also fill out questionnaires about your health and lifestyle. The study aims to develop and test these advanced ultrasound techniques over 5 years to help improve how MASLD is detected and monitored in children. This study is for children aged 9 to 18 years who have risk factors for MASLD.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 120 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would undergo an MR exam, an abdominal ultrasound, a blood draw, physical measurements, and complete questionnaires.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary goal of developing and evaluating models for liver fat estimation will be measured at 5 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06706856

Quantitative Ultrasound to Assess Steatotic Liver Disease in Children

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 9–18Observational
University of California, San Diego
~120 participants
Updated 2026-01-21 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:MR examUS examBlood drawPhysical measurementsQuestionnaires

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Development and Evaluation of models for liver fat estimation.
Measured over 5 years

Conditions

MASLD
MASLD - Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Explore related trials

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

NCT06706856

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of California San Diego

    La Jolla, Californiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Jeffrey B Schwimmer, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Diego
  • Claude B Sirlin, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Diego

Who to contact

Amy Alba
[email protected]
619-543-5228
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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.

What this trial measures

  • Development and Evaluation of models for liver fat estimation.5 years

    We plan to develop and evaluate models for estimating liver fat fraction and classifying the presence or absence of steatotic liver disease using QUS data.