Clinical Research Directory

Inferior Vena Cava Pressure as Alternative to Hepatic Venous Pressure for EUS-guided Portal Pressure Gradient Measurement

This study investigates a new, simplified approach to measuring blood pressure within the liver (portal hypertension) using Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Portal Pressure Gradient Measurement (EUS-PPG). While this minimally invasive method traditionally relies on a hepatic vein as the baseline reference point, advanced liver scarring can make these veins twisted and highly difficult to access. To address this challenge, our study evaluates the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC)-the body's largest main vein-as an alternative reference site. Currently, it remains scientifically unproven whether the inferior vena cava or the hepatic vein provides the more reliable and accurate pressure reading for calculation, as anatomical distortion from cirrhosis can affect both areas differently. By measuring and comparing both venous compartments during a single, clinically scheduled endoscopy session, this study aims to determine if the pressures are truly interchangeable. Ultimately, this research will clarify which vessel serves as the optimal reference point, helping to establish a safer, more reliable diagnostic standard for patients with complex vascular anatomy.

Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effects of a Nutritional Supplement in Patients With Liver Disease Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection (RESQUETI Study).

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a nutritional supplement containing resveratrol, quercetin, taurine, inulin, and whey protein improves biochemical and molecular markers, as well as clinical outcomes, in patients with liver disease related to chronic hepatitis C infection. The study will compare the investigational supplement with an active control (whey protein alone) to determine whether the combination formulation provides additional benefits on liver-related biomarkers and clinical assessment. Participants will: Take the investigational supplement or active control daily for 12 weeks. Attend clinic visits every 4 weeks for laboratory testing and clinical evaluations.

Validation of Different Methods for HepQuant DuO® Blood Sample Collection

This is a study to see the agreement of blood samples collected through different means and tube types for the HepQuant DuO Test. The HepQuant DuO Test is a blood-based test that involves a drink of a natural compound, cholate, and blood samples at 20 and 60 minutes. The study team is collecting clinical and laboratory data from patients living with chronic liver disease and healthy adult volunteers. The study has up to 2 study visits at an outpatient clinic and can take up to 4 weeks for a participant to complete study. At these visits, participants will undergo a HepQuant DuO test and other standard lab tests. In addition, the study team will ask about a participant's experience with different blood sampling methods.

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.

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.

cACLD in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder in the Hospital Detoxification Unit

The aim of this study is to conduct a quick assessment of potential liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. Taking advantage of the patient's admission to a specialized detoxification unit, several tests will be performed to determine the extent of liver damage through blood tests, ultrasound, and FibroScan

Albumin Catabolic Rate Measured by a Stable Isotope

The goal of this physiological study is to compare albumin catabolic rate measured by a stable isotope labeled amino acid in healthy volunteers and in patients with liver disease. At steady state synthesis and catabolism or degradation are equal. The primary questions it aims to answer are: * Is albumin catabolic rate lower in patients with liver disease? * Is albumin catabolic rate measured by stable isotopes in volunteers like historical controls measured by radio-iodinated albumin at the investigator's laboratory or elsewhere? Subjects will be given an oral dose of the deuterium labeled amino acid phenylalanine that will be incorporated by the liver in newly synthetized albumin molecules, and blood samples will be taken over 12 weeks to determine the catabolic rate of albumin.