Clinical Research Directory

Underdilated-stent Technique Improves Post-TIPS Encephalopathy

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a critical therapeutic approach for managing esophagogastric variceal bleeding and refractory ascites in decompensated cirrhosis patients. To date, hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains one of the most common complications following TIPS procedures, and prediction and prevention of post-TIPS HE have always been a hotspot in the field of hepatology. However, no reliable clinical studies have confirmed that any drug or intervention can effectively prevent the occurrence of HE episodes following TIPS, including lactulose and rifaximin. Underdilated strategy (UDS) was reported as an development technique proposed in recent years for TIPS procedures, which involves using a small-diameter balloon to dilate the puncture tract and subsequently implanted standard-diameter covered stent (e.g., 8 mm). This allows the stent to maintain a smaller diameter shortly after release, thereby reducing the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy during the postoperative period. Over time, the stent gradually dilates to its normal diameter within months. This period coincides with the higher incidence risk of post-TIPS HE, most commonly occurring within 6 months, especially within the first 3 months after TIPS. Therefore, theoretically, UDS can reduce the occurrence of post-TIPS HE. In terms of clinical research, however, there were still no high quality studies reported the advantages of this technique. Current reported clinical studies were all non-randomized controlled trials or retrospective studies, with low-quality evidence and sometimes contradictory findings. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical study is to evaluate whether administration of underdilated technology during TIPS can improve postoperative hepatic encephalopathy, without compromising the therapeutic efficacy of portal hypertension complications.

Effectiveness and Safety of TIPS Stent Graft in the Treatment of Cirrhosis and Complications of Portal Hypertension

This Study is a prospective, multi-center, single-arm objective perform an criteria (OPC) study. A 12 months follow-up study on the patients who intend to receive the treatment of cirrhosis and complications of portal hypertension with the TIPS Stent Graft will be conducted. The primary evaluation endpoint of this Study is the stent patency at 6 months after treatment completion .

Single and Multiple Dose Escalation of PHIN-214 in Child-Pugh A and B Liver Cirrhotics

This 2-part study will evaluate PHIN-214 given as a single one-time dose (Part 1) and in multiple doses (given as daily doses for 28-days) (in Part 2). Specifically, this study evaluates PHIN-214, to determine the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic effects of PHIN-214, and to establish the maximum tolerated dose or optimal beneficial dose in patients with Child Pugh A and B Cirrhosis.

QOL and Sarcopenia in Patients With Ascites

Clinical data regarding quality of life in patients with refractory ascites is limited and preceded the development of newer questionnaires that may be more robust. One primary objective of this study is to study changes in quality in life in a prospective fashion using newer general and ascites-specific quality of life survey instruments specific to benign and malignant etiologies. Sarcopenia is a condition that is prevalent in cancer and cirrhosis. Current data is retrospective and associative, evaluating heterogeneous patient populations at different stages within the timeline of refractory ascites. The other primary objective of this study is to study sarcopenia in a prospective fashion and to understand its kinetics once a patient develops refractory ascites. Prospectively-obtained measures of deterioration in patient-reported outcomes and in muscle mass will form the basis for the next stage of investigation of interventions to mitigate these declines.

Early TIPS in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis and Ascites

The aim of this clinical trial is to compare the safety and efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation with standard treatment (diuretic medications, and if necessary, paracenteses) in patients with liver cirrhosis and development of ascites as the first decompensating event. By creating a shunt between the liver vein and the portal vein, blood is diverted from the portal vein directly into the hepatic vein, which results in a reduction of pressure in the portal vein so that development of ascites is reduced.

Albumin Assisted Diuresis in Patients with Cirrhosis and Ascites

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.

Endothelin Receptor Antagonism With Ambrisentan to Treat Hepatorenal Syndrome

Patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver develop kidney problems occasionally. This condition is called Hepatorenal Syndrome, requires hospitalization and frequently results in death. The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether the administration of low doses of ambrisentan can help patients with Hepatorenal Syndrome and to determine if it is safe. Ambrisentan is a drug that is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure in the lungs at higher doses. This clinical trial will compare the safety and effects of ambrisentan to another drug called terlipressin, which is commonly used to treat patients with hepatorenal syndrome. The main questions the clinical trial aims to answer are: * Does ambrisentan help the kidney function of the patient? * Does ambrisentan help prevent death in patients with Hepatorenal Syndrome? * Does ambrisentan prevent Hepatorenal Syndrome from reappearing? While in the hospital, trial participants will receive either one of two doses of ambrisentan or terlipressin. If in the first 4 days, ambrisentan is not helpful, the patient may be eligible to receive terlipressin. Patients assigned to receive ambrisentan will continue taking this medication at home after leaving the hospitals and until they complete 60 days of treatment.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Ascites

The goal of this observational study is to test the efficacy of glyphozines (SGLT-2 inhibitors) in the control of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis in class A6-B9, according to the Child-Pugh classification, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The investigators will compare patients belonging to the intervention group (A), who will be given SGLT-2 inhibitors according to diabetology indications in addition to standard medical therapy for 6, with patients of the control group (B), who will, instead, continue with the standard medical therapy for 6 months. Standard medical therapy will include dietary sodium restriction, treatment with diuretics (furosemide and spironolactone), hypoglycemic therapy (metformin, insulin, or both) and other supportive care. The main questions aims of this study are: 1. Compare the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic approach based on the administration of SGLT-2 inhibitors in addition to optimal medical therapy (MRA and loop diuretic) compared to traditional diuretic therapy only, in cirrhotic patients with saline retention and diabetes. 2. Demonstrate better control of the glycemic profile in cirrhotic diabetic patients using SGLT-2 inhibitors.

HRS-AKI Treatment With TIPS in Patients With Cirrhosis

The study compares the effectiveness and safety of TIPS implantation in patients with HRS-AKI (stage1, 2 and 3) and liver cirrhosis with standard therapy (drug therapy with terlipressin + albumin).

Predictive Values of Presepsin Levels in ASciteS in Patients With Chronic Liver Failure

The investigators aim to study the predictive value of presepsin in ascites in newly admitted patients with chronic liver failure.