Lung MRI in Paediatric Lung Disease: MRI in PBB
This study is for children aged 5 to 17 who have Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB), which means they have a wet cough lasting over four weeks. We're trying a new, safe MRI scan that doesn't use radiation. Children breathe in a special gas called xenon, which helps us see any blockages or problems in their lungs. Currently, diagnosing PBB often involves procedures that are more invasive, like looking inside the lungs with a camera (bronchoscopy) or scans that use radiation (CT scans). By using this new MRI technique, we hope to find lung problems earlier, which could lead to better treatment, fewer antibiotics, and potentially stop serious lung conditions from developing later in life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If your child has had a wet cough for more than four weeks, they might have something called Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis, or PBB. This condition can make children feel unwell and sometimes lead to other lung problems if not managed well. Usually, finding out if a child has PBB can be tricky and might involve tests that are a bit more involved, like a lung scan using X-rays or even a procedure where doctors look inside the lungs with a small camera.
In this study, we're exploring a new and safer way to look at children's lungs. We'll be using a special type of scan called an MRI, which is very safe and doesn't use any radiation. During the scan, children will breathe in a harmless gas called xenon. This gas helps us see how air moves through the lungs. If there's any mucus or blockage stopping the air, the scan will show us those areas clearly. This helps us get a detailed picture of your child's lung health.
The main goal is to find lung problems early and more easily. If we can see what's happening in the lungs sooner, doctors can give more targeted treatment. This could mean children need fewer antibiotics, have less coughing, and generally feel much better. For some children, this early detection might even help prevent more serious, long-term lung conditions from developing in the future.
Key takeaways
- New, safe MRI scan to check children's lungs.
- Aims to diagnose lung problems earlier in children with a long-term cough (PBB).
- Uses a special, harmless gas (xenon) to see lung blockages.
- Could mean less antibiotics and better treatment for your child.
- Hopes to prevent serious lung diseases later in life.
- Is exploring a radiation-free alternative to current diagnostic methods.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for children between 5 and 17 years old who doctors suspect have Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB) and would normally need a bronchoscopy (a procedure to look into their lungs).
To join, children need to be able to understand and follow simple instructions. It’s also important that there's an English-speaking family member available to help with understanding the study details.
Children can't join if they are outside the age range, have significant learning difficulties that would make it hard to follow instructions, or if a family member can't provide consent in English. Also, if a child has any medical reasons why they can't have an MRI scan (like certain metal implants), they wouldn't be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 5 and 17 years old?
- Does your child have a long-lasting wet cough that doctors suspect is PBB?
- Can your child understand and follow simple instructions?
- Is there an English-speaking family member available to help with paperwork and questions?
- Does your child have any metal implants or other reasons they can't have an MRI scan?
What does participation involve?
We don’t have all the details about what your child's participation would involve in this summary. However, typically, studies like this would involve:
* **Initial visits:** To check if your child is suitable for the study and to explain everything in detail, answer your questions, and get your consent. * **The MRI scan:** This is the main part of the study. Your child would lie still in the MRI scanner and breathe in the special xenon gas as instructed during the scan. The scan itself is usually not very long. * **Assessments:** There might be some simple breathing tests or questionnaires about your child's cough and general health. * **Follow-up:** There might be one or more follow-up appointments to see how your child is doing after the scan and if the information gathered has helped their treatment plan. The total duration of participation and the number of visits would be clearly explained by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sheffield Children's HospitalVerified postcodeSheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB)?
It's a lung problem in children that causes a wet cough lasting more than four weeks.
Is the MRI scan safe for my child?
Yes, MRI scans are very safe and don't use radiation, unlike some other types of scans.
What is the xenon gas for?
The xenon gas helps the MRI scan show how air moves in the lungs and if there are any blockages.
Will my child have to take any medication for the study?
The study focuses on the MRI scan, not usually on new medications, but your child's current treatment for PBB would continue as advised by their doctor.
How long will the MRI scan take?
The actual MRI scan typically doesn’t take a very long time, but the whole appointment might be longer for preparation.
How to find out more
Nicki Barker
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.