New MRI scan developed to reduce unnecessary liver biopsies in children

To reduce unnecessary liver biopsies, Perspectum Diagnostics has been awarded 1.1 million euros to develop its painless LiverMultiScan technology for children, according to a press release.

“Liver biopsy is important for making diagnosis of various liver diseases and is frequently used in follow up to make decisions on therapy,” Piotr Socha, MD, from the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, said in the release. “We try to decrease indications for liver biopsy in children because it can cause complications and needs sedation and anesthesia.”

Currently, LiverMultiScan — a 15 minute painless MRI scan characterizing liver tissue — is cleared for use in adults. To expand the technology’s use to children, EUREKA/Eurostars has funded the Kids4LIFe consortium to develop LiverMultiScan for patients aged younger than 16 years. In an upcoming clinical trial, the scan will be offered in addition to routine liver biopsy.

Also, as part of the project, Silvermedia, a Polish telemedicine company, will develop a cloud-based health management system to allow quick transfer of liver scans between pediatricians and experts from different countries.

Rajarshi Banerjee

“We know so little about pediatric liver diseases and their natural history because, until now, we have been limited in our ability to diagnose and follow these children up,” Rajarshi Banerjee, PhD, CEO of Perspectum, in Oxford, U.K., said in the release. “MRI is easy to communicate to patients and families and will help us find thousands of children in Europe who currently only get diagnosed late.” – by Will Offit

Disclosure: Healio.com/Hepatology was unable to confirm Socha’s relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication. Banerjee is an employee of Perspectum.