Clinical Research Directory

Statin and Beta Blocker Use in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis

Decompensated cirrhosis (liver disease) occurs when liver function decreases to the extent that serious complications develop and can include internal bleeding, fluid buildup in the abdomen, or mental confusion. This reduced decreased liver function subsequently decreases life expectancy. There is a critical need for strategies to delay progression to decompensation and reduce the occurrence of serious complications. Currently, limited therapeutic options are available for managing decompensated liver disease, with beta-blockers (BB) being the only proven medication with significant benefits in preventing disease progression. Statins have been historically under- prescribed in cirrhosis due to concerns of liver damage. However, there is emerging evidence that statin use may be beneficial and able to lessen liver disease worsening, with studies demonstrating its safety. Thus, we aim to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) study of 50 subjects comparing the outcomes of decompensated cirrhotic patients receiving the statin, atorvastatin, and a non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB) versus those receiving NSBB plus placebo. Both groups will be followed for 12 months to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of combination therapy.

Personalized Long-term Human Albumin Treatment in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis and Ascites

The goal of this clinical biomarker validation trial is to test the effect of a predictive biomarker panel to human albumin infusions in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. The main questions it aims to answer are: * If the predictive biomarker panel can identify patients who are likely to benefit from regular human albumin infusions * If the predictive biomarker panel can lower the number-needed-to-treat of regular human albumin infusions in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites The predictive biomarker panel will stratify patients into either a high- or low-expected effect of human albumin infusions. Hereafter are participants randomized into treatment arms. Participants in the active treatment arm will receive regular human albumin infusions during a course of 6 months. Infusions will occur every 10th day for the duration of the study. Researchers will compare 20% human albumin infusions with regular 0.9% sodium chloride to identify the effects on the number of liver-related events.

Oral Branched-chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the nutritional parameters after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Would thigh muscle thickness change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL? 2. Would triceps skin fold thickness, mid-arm circumferences, mid-arm muscle circumferences, skeletal muscle mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index and fat mass change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL? 3. Would handgrip strength change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL? 4. Would serum albumin change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL? 5. Would score for cirrhotic severity such as Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium Score (MELD-Na score) and Child Turcotte Pugh Score change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL? Participants will be asked to do following tasks: 1. Participants will be asked for basic information such as age, place of residence, and contact telephone number. 2. Participants will undergo measurements of weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness on the arms, circumference of the arms and legs, muscle mass, and body fat content using a body composition analyzer, both at the beginning and end of the research study. 3. Participants will perform grip strength measurements, at both the beginning and end of the research study. 4. Participants will undergo laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, blood clotting factors, and blood mineral levels, with a total blood volume of approximately 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon), collected twice during the study (at the beginning and end). 5. Participants will be administered supplements containing branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) twice a day for a total of 12 weeks. 6. Participants will be appointed for follow-up during the study, totaling 2 appointments at weeks 4 and 12. Side effects related to medication will be asked. 7. Participants will undergo ultrasound measurements of the right thigh to assess thigh muscle thickness, both at the beginning and end of the research study. 8. Participants will will complete questionnaires to assess your overall quality of life twice, both at the beginning and end of the research study.