MAPLE study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of portal hypertension and liver function (MAPLE)
IRAS ID
189664
Contact name
Christina Levick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
23 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Portal hypertension describes increased pressure in the veins supplying the liver, usually caused by liver scarring (cirrhosis). Portal hypertension and biochemical liver dysfunction cause the major complications of liver disease. Their measurement can predict these complications and liver-related deaths. Unfortunately, these measurements are either invasive or lack accuracy, so better tests are needed.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe, non-invasive and widely available. A new MRI technique was developed recently that evaluates liver scarring, fat and iron content accurately. To add to its capabilities, this study will investigate the use and value of new MRI methods to evaluate portal hypertension and liver function, and predict which patients are at risk of developing serious complications or dying from liver disease.
This prospective cohort study will recruit 180 liver disease patients and 20 healthy volunteers from the John Radcliffe and Southampton General Hospitals and the public domain. They will have MRI scans and be followed up for liver-related complications and death. The study is funded by the National Institute of Health Research.
We hope our MRI scans could avoid multiple unnecessary invasive procedures and guide clinical management of liver disease.
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0110
Date of REC Opinion
13 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion