Liver Stiffness, Malnutrition in Children, Shear Wave Elastography, Spleen Stiffness
Conditions
Keywords
Malnutrition, Liver Stiffness, Spleen Stiffness, Shear Wave Elastography, Children
Brief summary
This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the effect of malnutrition on liver and spleen stiffness in children using shear wave elastography. Two groups of participants will be enrolled: children diagnosed with malnutrition and age-matched healthy controls. Organ stiffness measurements will be compared between the two groups to assess the impact of malnutrition on liver and spleen tissue properties.
Detailed description
This is a prospective observational study designed to investigate the effect of malnutrition on liver and spleen stiffness in children. The study will include two groups: children diagnosed with malnutrition according to WHO criteria, and age- and sex-matched healthy controls without any known chronic illness. All participants will undergo shear wave elastography (SWE) to measure liver and spleen stiffness using standardized ultrasound protocols. Measurements will be performed by a pediatric radiologist blinded to the nutritional status of the participants. The primary objective is to compare organ stiffness values between malnourished children and healthy controls. Secondary analyses will explore correlations between severity of malnutrition and stiffness values. The study aims to provide non-invasive insights into early organ-level changes associated with pediatric malnutrition.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTShear Wave Elastography
Shear wave elastography will be used to measure liver and spleen stiffness in all participants. The procedure will be performed using standard ultrasound-based elastography protocols by a pediatric radiologist.
Sponsors
Mehmet Akif AĞIR
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
1 Months to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Children aged 6 to 18 years. * Diagnosis of malnutrition based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (for malnutrition group). * Healthy children without any chronic illness (for control group).
Exclusion criteria
* Children with chronic diseases (e.g., liver disease, diabetes, immunocompromised conditions). * Children who have previously undergone liver or spleen surgery. * Children with inability to cooperate during elastography measurement.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Liver stiffness value (kPa) | At baseline (single time point assessment) | Liver stiffness will be measured in kilopascals (kPa) using shear wave elastography. The average of three valid measurements will be recorded for each participant. |
| Spleen stiffness value (kPa) | At baseline | Spleen stiffness will be measured in kilopascals (kPa) using shear wave elastography. Similar to liver, the average of three valid measurements will be used. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
Primary ContactMehmet Akif AGIR, Medical Doctor
Outcome results
None listed