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Fibroscan to Guide Post Transplant Immunosuppression Minimization
Sponsor: University of Alberta
Summary
Following Liver transplantation, recipients remain on life long immunosuppression. Prolonged exposure to immunosuppression is associated with side effects and complications including kidney dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease and cancer risk. Therefore studies are looking at safe ways to reduce or stop immunosuppression. An individual without autoimmune liver disease (these patients are at higher risk of rejection), without history of rejection, with normal blood tests (liver biochemistry, liver function, etc.) can be eligible for minimization of immunosuppression. A recent study showed use of fibroscan (an Ultrasound, which provides information on liver stiffness (diseased liver is hard while a normal liver is soft) and fat content) provides more objective information to help investigators select individuals who will tolerate immunosuppression minimization. Our goal is to see if use of fibroscan allows the investigators to safely minimize immunosuppression in eligible individuals. The secondary aims are to assess benefit on kidney function, heart disease and risk factors for heart disease.
Official title: Use of Transient Elastography to Guide Immunosuppression Minimization Post Liver Transplantation
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2025-12-01
Completion Date
2028-12-31
Last Updated
2026-01-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Immunosuppression reduction
In patients with LSM \< 8.4 kPa we will gradually reduce IS by 30% (e.g. if on tacrolimus 6 mg daily, dose will be reduced to 4 mg daily) over three months. In patients with immunosuppression reduction we will perform TE at 4, 7 and 12 months after IS reduction to ensure there is no change in LSM. We will get liver biochemistry every 2 weeks x 4 months to ensure labs remain within normal range. Following this, patients will resume monthly labs.
Locations (1)
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada