Cirrhosis Clinical Trials

Cirrhosis is characterized by loss of muscle as well as fat mass, which increases morbidity and mortality before, during, and after liver transplantation. A common mechanism for the reduced muscle and fat mass in cirrhosis is an increased expression of the TGF (transforming growth factor)beta superfamily member, myostatin, in the muscle and adipose tissue. The present study will examine the expression of myostatin, its receptor and intracellular signaling pathways in the skeletal muscle and mesenteric adipose tissue in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation as compared to healthy controls undergoing planned abdominal surgery. 16 cirrhotic patients will be identified from the transplant list, and 16 healthy controls from outpatient surgery lists. Nutritional assessment will be performed, including anthropometry (triceps skinfold thickness, mid arm circumference), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Rectus abdominis muscle tissue and omental fat tissue will be harvested in the operating room, and the expression of signaling proteins involved in skeletal muscle protein synthesis will be quantified. The investigator will also quantify the expression of genes involved in lipolysis and lipid synthesis. The investigator anticipates that the expression of myostatin will be higher in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of cirrhotics as compared to controls. There will be a reduction in the expression of the signaling proteins that regulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis, as well as the expression of genes regulating lipogenesis. The increased expression of myostatin will also correlate with reduced anthropometric and DEXA measurements of lean body mass and fat mass. Read Less

To determine the rate and mechanisms of skeletal muscle protein synthesis and breakdown in cirrhotic patients by using multiple tracers and single muscle biopsies. Read Less

A small, pilot proof-of-concept placebo-controlled trial to explore the effects of albumin on diuresis in patients with cirrhosis, ascites and lower extremity edema. We will additionally investigate albumin's effect on preventing neurohumoral activation, and acute kidney injury after diuresis. Read Less

The aim of the study is to compare the effect of CirrhosisRx, a novel clinical decision support (CDS) system for inpatient cirrhosis care, versus "usual care" on adherence to national quality measures and clinical outcomes for hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Read Less

Liver Cirrhosis Network (LCN) Cohort Study is an observational study designed to identify risk factors and develop prediction models for risk of decompensation in adults with liver cirrhosis. LCN Cohort Study involves multiple institutions and an anticipated 1200 participants. Enrolled participants will have study visits every 6 months (180 days), with opportunities to complete specific visit components via telehealth or remotely. Visits will include collection of questionnaire data and the in-person visits will include questionnaires, physical exams, imaging, and sample collection. Read Less

A Phase 1, Open-label Extension Groups Study in Subjects having Hepatic Impairment with Cirrhosis due to Cholestatic Liver Disease Read Less

The researchers are trying to find out more about Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE). This is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the stomach, leading to their enlargement and possible bleeding. It can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. By participating in this study, you will help us learn how often these symptoms occur and how they relate to stomach functioning. Read Less

The goal of this observational study is to learn about dental evaluation and periodontal cleaning along with scheduled follow -up on the dental health and overall health of patients with cirrhosis and also to determine what barrier(s) if any exist to improve oral health in this population. Read Less

Hypothesis: Improvement in cognitive dysfunction with IV albumin in patients with cirrhosis with prior HE and MHE lasts for several weeks after albumin infusion has ended, and is due to persistent improvement in inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, albumin function and gut microbial changes. This will be a single-arm, single-blind sequential trial of IV 25% albumin and IV saline over 8 weeks with biological sampling and cognitive and health related quality of life (HRQOL) testing with each subject acting as their own control. Read Less

The purpose of this research study is to test the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of the capsules that contain bacteria from healthy individuals when used to treat alcohol craving and drinking. Read Less

This is a double-blind, phase 2 study to evaluate safety and efficacy of rosuvastatin in comparison to placebo after 2 years in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Read Less

This study aims to refine and pilot test HARMONY, a psychoeducational intervention for patients with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Read Less