Clinical Research Directory

Deciphering the Mechanisms Involved in Microbial Translocation Across the Spectrum of HCV Associated Liver Fibrosis

Background: \- Hepatitis C infection (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease. Normal bacteria from the intestines may spread to the liver and blood during liver disease. This is called bacterial translocation (BT). Researchers think BT may cause liver disease to worsen. Objectives: \- To study the mechanisms involved in BT in early and advanced liver disease. To find out whether BT causes liver disease to worsen. Eligibility: \- People over age 18 with HCV and clinically stable liver disease. Design: * Participants will be screened with medical history and physical exam. They will have blood tests and imaging studies. * Participants will have 2 outpatient visits and a 3-day stay at the clinic. * At visit 1, participants will have urine and blood tests. They will have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. A solution will be injected into a vein. The MRI scanner is a metal cylinder surrounded by a magnetic field. The participant will lie on a table that slides in and out of the cylinder. * At visit 2, a substance will be injected into a vein and swallowed. Participants will then have blood drawn 5 times over 90 minutes. * During the inpatient stay, serial blood tests will be drawn. * Participants will give 2 stool samples and have another MRI. * A needle will be inserted through the chest wall into a vein inside the liver, guided by ultrasound. The blood pressure inside this vein will be measured and blood will be drawn from it. About 1 inch of liver tissue will be removed. * A study investigator will call participants to discuss all test results.

A Study to Detect Advanced Liver Disease Via AI-enabled Electrocardiogram

The overall objectives of this study are to determine the effectiveness of ACE 2.0 model in early detection of advanced liver fibrosis, and to determine the acceptance and barriers for use of an AI-enabled algorithm for prediction of liver disease in primary care.

4D-Flow MRI Assessment of Portal Hypertension and TIPS Outcomes in Cirrhosis

PORTAL-4D is a prospective, interventional, non-randomized, parallel-group diagnostic study conducted at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (Paris, France). Portal hypertension is the main driver of hepatic decompensation and is associated with ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and reduced survival. The current gold standard for assessing portal hypertension is the invasive hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement performed via the transjugular route. However, HVPG is invasive, operator-dependent, and limited to specialized centers. A reliable non-invasive alternative is therefore highly needed. 60 adults patients with cirrhosis will be enrolled and divided into two parallel groups: MASLD group (n=24): Patients with compensated cirrhosis related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). TIPS group (n=36): Patients with decompensated cirrhosis referred for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. The primary objective is to assess the correlation between invasive HVPG values and 4D-flow MRI parameters. Secondary objectives include evaluating the prognostic value of 4D-flow MRI in predicting portal hypertension-related complications and post-TIPS outcomes within 6 months. The study is expected to validate 4D-flow MRI as an non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic tool for portal hypertension, potentially improving patient selection for TIPS and reducing reliance on invasive procedures.

MASLD in Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care - a Follow-up Study

The goal of this observational study is to understand how metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) changes over time in individuals with type 2 diabetes who previously participated in the EPSONIP study. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. How common are MASLD and advanced liver fibrosis at long-term follow-up? 2. Which factors are associated with progression or regression of liver fat accumulation and liver fibrosis over time? Participants will: * Undergo a clinical examination and review of medical history. * Provide blood, urine, and biobank samples. * Undergo liver assessment using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). * Undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess liver fat, liver fibrosis, and body composition. * Complete questionnaires regarding lifestyle and physical activity. * Undergo physical activity measurements using accelerometers and additional assessments related to blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Effect of L-ornithine-L-aspertate (LOLA) on the Gut Microbiome

Study to test the effect of the drug "L-ornithine.L-aspertate" (LOLA) on microorganisms in the digestive tract in patients with liver cirrhosis (damage of the liver due to liver disease)

Blood Collection Biorepository for Liver Disease Research

The purpose of establishing a biorepository is to provide high quality specimens (serum, plasma, buffy coat and liver tissue) for future researchers who are studying the effects that fatty liver and viral diseases have on the liver.

Safety and Efficacy of Atorvastatin v. Placebo on HCC Risk

Prospective randomized, multi-center, double blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the chemopreventive impact of atorvastatin (20 mg oral) vs placebo in up to 60 adults with advanced fibrosis at high risk of developing HCC.

LiverPAL: A Trial of Inpatient Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Liver Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether early integration of palliative care in the care of hospitalized patients with advanced liver disease (AdvLD) can improve patients' quality of life, physical symptoms, mood, and serious illness communication. Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on lessening (or "palliating") symptoms and assisting in coping with serious illness.

HepHospital: A Pilot Trial of a Hepatology Home Hospital Intervention for Patients With Advanced Liver Disease

This research study is evaluating a program that entails a healthcare at home intervention for people with advanced liver disease.

EUS-Guided Coil and Glue vs Glue Injection for Bleeding Gastric Varices in Cirrhosis

Gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue injection is the current standard treatment; however, recurrent bleeding and procedure-related complications remain important concerns. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coil and cyanoacrylate glue injection has emerged as a promising alternative that may improve variceal obliteration and reduce rebleeding rates. This prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial will compare EUS-guided coil and cyanoacrylate glue injection with conventional endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue injection in patients with cirrhosis presenting with bleeding gastric varices. A total of 158 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either treatment arm. The primary outcome is all-cause rebleeding at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include technical success, early and late rebleeding, number of treatment sessions required for variceal obliteration, glue volume used, procedure-related adverse events, hepatic decompensation, duration of hospital stay, cost of treatment, and mortality.

Comparing the Diagnostic Sensitivity and Specificity of Pleural Fluid N-Terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and Other Biochemical Gradient Criteria in Distinguishing Heart Failure and Non-heart Failure Related Pleural Effusions (CENTRE Study)

To assess the discriminative properties of pleural fluid (PF) N-terminal-proB-type-natriuretic-peptide (NTproBNP) levels in identifying heart failure (HF)-associated pleural effusions (PE).

Liver Cirrhosis Network Rosuvastatin Efficacy and Safety for Cirrhosis in the United States

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.

NEPH-ROSIS (NEPHrology in CirRhOSIS) Pilot Trial: A Trial to Treat Acute Kidney Injury Among Hospitalized Cirrhosis Patients

The goal of this pilot, randomized, single-blind clinical trial is to estimate the effect size of a high and low mean arterial pressure (MAP)-target algorithm among cirrhosis patients hospitalized with acute kidney injury. The main aims to answer are: • Does an algorithm that has low (\<80 mmHg) and high (≥80) MAP-targets lead to significant differences in mean arterial pressure? • Are there any serious adverse events (e.g., ischemia) in a high blood pressure algorithm as compared to a low blood pressure algorithm? • Are there any differences in the incidence of AKI reversal in the high v. low MAP-target groups? Participants will be: 1) Randomized to a clinical algorithm that will either target a low (\<80 mmHg) or high (≥80 mmHg) MAP. 2) Depending on their group, investigators will titrate commonly used medications to a specific MAP target. Researchers will compare the high and low MAP-target groups to see if these algorithms lead to significant changes in MAP, if they have any impact on AKI reversal, and if there are any adverse events in the high MAP-target group.

Novel Tracer Methods to Evaluate Muscle Protein Metabolism in Cirrhosis

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

Endosonographic Shear Wave Elastography to Assess Liver and Splenic Fibrosis

The study is being done to collect information on the effectiveness of endosonographic elastography (a technique which uses sound waves) to measure the stiffness of the liver and spleen. Investigators are trying to determine if shear wave elastography is a good way to measure fibrosis instead of biopsy.

Noninvasive Prediction of Portal Hypertension in Cirrhosis Using Sound Touch Viscoelastography

The objective of this observational study is to investigate and validate the utility of the Sound Touch Viscoelastography(STVi) technique in patients with liver cirrhosis for noninvasive prediction of Portal hypertension (PH). The primary research questions it seeks to address are as follows: * What is the correlation between the liver STVi index and Portal Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG)? * Is STVi an available tool to non-invasively predict PH in patients with liver cirrhosis? And the effectiveness and practicality of STVi will be validated. * To establish a predictive model for Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension (CSPH) utilizing liver STVi index as the primary indicator. The HVPG is considered as the gold standard in this study and STVi was employed to quantify the STVi index of the liver in patients with liver cirrhosis. Researchers will compare the two patients groups, HVPG≥10 mmHg and HVPG\<10 mmHg, to see the usage of STVi in the noninvasive prediction of PH.

Chronic Pain Optimization and Management for Relief and Functionality With TEA in Cirrhosis

This study is being done to better understand how the study team can treat pain for people with cirrhosis and depression. Enrolled participants on this feasibility study will be randomized to Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA) or sham TEA.

Impact of Propranolol on the Prognosis of Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis and MELD Score > 9

Non selective beta blockers (NSBBs), such as propranolol and nadolol, are mainstay therapies for portal hypertension in cirrhosis, but their efficacy and safety vary depending on the stage of the disease. Emerging evidence suggests that NSBBs may worsen the prognosis of advanced cirrhosis, especially in patients with a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of \>9. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of the use of propranolol as recommended by the guideline on the prognosis in cirrhotic patients with a MELD score of \>9.

A Prospective Study of Memantine in Patients With Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer

This is a single-site prospective study to describe efficacy endpoints of single agent memantine in patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic HCC otherwise not deemed candidates for intensive systemic therapy. In addition to the primary endpoint and multiple secondary efficacy endpoints, we will describe changes in quality of life on treatment over time.

Empagliflozin in Patients With Cirrhosis and Ascites

A proof-of-concept placebo-controlled trial to explore the acute and 14-day effects of empagliflozin on natriuresis and total body water in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. We will additionally investigate its effect on neurohumoral activation, and renal hemodynamics.

Hepatic Impairment With Cirrhosis Due to Cholestatic Liver Disease

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

EUS-guided Portal Pressure Gradient (PPG) Measurement: a Potential Alternative to the Traditional HVPG

The goal of this investigator-initiated, single-arm, prospective study is to evaluate the accuracy, safety, and feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient (EUS-PPG) measurement as a potential alternative to the traditional hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) method in patients with portal hypertension due to chronic liver disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the correlation between EUS-PPG and HVPG measurements in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis? * Can EUS-PPG serve as a reliable and less invasive alternative to HVPG for assessing portal pressure? * What are the safety outcomes associated with EUS-PPG compared to HVPG? Researchers will compare EUS-PPG measurements with HVPG measurements within the same patients to assess whether EUS-PPG provides accurate and clinically comparable portal pressure readings while reducing procedural risks. Participants will: * Be adults aged 18 to 85 with a history of liver disease and portal hypertension or suspected cirrhosis requiring HVPG measurement. * Undergo both EUS-PPG and HVPG measurements within a seven-day window to allow for direct comparison of results. * Receive standard clinical care for their condition, including routine diagnostic evaluations and portal hypertension management as needed. * Be monitored for safety outcomes, including adverse events such as bleeding, infection, perforation, and any other complications related to the procedure. * Provide relevant demographic and clinical data, including liver disease history, Child-Pugh and MELD scores, and portal hypertension-related complications such as varices or ascites.

Simvastatin in Preventing Liver Cancer in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

This phase II trial studies how well simvastatin works in preventing liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis. Simvastatin may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434

In this study, a single dose of VIR-2218 up to 200 mg SC or VIR-3434 at 300 mg SC monotherapy or a combination of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 will be administered to assess the pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure, safety, and tolerability of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 in participants with cirrhosis and Hepatic Impairment, defined using the Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) categorization.