Federal Grant Award Summary

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia received $837,620 in Project Grant funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) for research on multimodal imaging biomarkers of liver disease progression in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The award, effective July 1, 2026 through April 30, 2031, supports the development and validation of quantitative, non-invasive imaging biomarkers to measure congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) severity using comprehensive ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques, including ultrasound elastography, two- and three-dimensional MR elastography, and novel motion-resistant MR fingerprinting protocols.

The research addresses a critical clinical gap in ARPKD/CHF management by establishing reproducible, non-invasive measurement tools for fibrosis, portal hypertension, and intrahepatic biliary duct dilatation—features that cannot be adequately quantified through conventional blood tests or imaging. These imaging biomarkers are intended to identify patients at high risk for disease progression and serve as clinical trial endpoints for disease-modifying therapeutic agents, ultimately supporting advancement of FDA-approved treatment options and improving patient outcomes for children and young adults with this serious pediatric liver disease.