A Study of FG-3019 in Subjects With Liver Fibrosis Due to Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Liver Fibrosis Due to Chronic Hepatitis B InfectionThe overall goal of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of FG-3019 for reversing liver fibrosis in subjects with chronic hepatitis B infection who are beginning antiviral therapy with entecavir. This Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study will enroll subjects with chronic active hepatitis B infection and liver fibrosis (Ishak score ≥2) who are eligible for antiviral therapy.
Early TIPS for Ascites Study
Liver CirrhosisPortal Hypertension1 moreThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate that TIPS with the GORE® VIATORR® TIPS Endoprosthesis improves transplant-free survival compared to LVP alone in patients who have cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension and difficult to treat ascites.
Liver Fibrosis in HIV-Infected Patients With Elevated Liver Enzymes on Antiretroviral Therapy
Liver FibrosisSteatohepatitis1 moreThis study will provide a basis for research on the impact of liver injury caused by antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. Elevated liver enzymes called AST and ALT are common in HIV-infected patients taking antiretroviral medications and can indicate liver damage. Although there are a number of possible causes for these elevations, such as infections with a hepatitis virus, antiretroviral medications alone can lead to the elevations. The study will focus particularly on evidence of liver fibrosis, which is a sign of progressive liver damage. HIV-infected patients 18 and older who 1) have been taking combination antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 months and have been on a stable regimen for at least 3 months, and 2) have had elevated AST or ALT levels for at least 6 months may be eligible for this study. Patients who have had liver biopsies performed in the past may be eligible for participation. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures over a 12-month period: Oral glucose tolerance test: The patient drinks a glucose (sugar) drink. Blood samples are then drawn over 2 hours through an intravenous (IV) line in the patient's arm. This test measures how high the patient's blood sugar and insulin levels rise after drinking a standard glucose load. Transient elastography: This ultrasound test uses vibration (sound waves) to measure liver stiffness (fibrosis). Vibrations move faster through a fibrotic liver. Triple-phase CT scan and single slice CT scan of L4-5: Patients fast for 4 hours before the CT scan. A contrast material is injected through a catheter placed in an arm vein to improve the visibility of the liver in the specialized X-ray images obtained in the CT scanner. Liver biopsy: This test removes a small sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination, particularly for evidence of fibrosis. The skin over the biopsy site is numbed and a needle is passed through the skin and rapidly in and out of the liver. Patients may be given a sedative for the procedure. Follow-up visits. Patients return for follow-up visits 1 to 4 weeks after the liver biopsy and three more times over the course of the study for a medical history, physical examination and blood tests. Patients may participate in an additional 4-year follow-up, during which they have visits every 3-12 months and are offered the opportunity to repeat the biopsy no sooner than 1 year after the first biopsy.
Acute Hemodynamics of Albumin Versus Normal Saline in Cirrhosis
CirrhosisAscitesCirrhosis is frequently complicated by derangement of body fluid homeostasis resulting in accumulation of large amounts of extracellular fluid in the peritoneal cavity (ascites) and interstitial tissue (edema). Studies showed that patients with cirrhosis and ascites have marked circulatory dysfunction. Albumin infusions have been used for many years in the management of patients with cirrhosis and ascites in an attempt to reduce the formation of ascites and/or improve circulatory and renal function. While some of these indications for albumin infusions are supported by the results of randomised studies, others are based on clinical experience and have not been proved in prospective investigations. Therefore, the use of albumin infusions in patients with cirrhosis is controversial. Recently, this debate has been fostered by the high cost and limited availability of albumin and the results of a meta-analysis showing that albumin administration may increase mortality in critically ill patients. In cirrhotics, there is a significant improvement in the low effective arterial blood volume, which may be important in the prevention of circulatory dysfunction and in preventing renal impairment. However, in an already fluid overload state such as that of cirrhosis, albumin infusion predisposes the individual to develop pulmonary edema. There is no study demonstrating acute effect of albumin infusion on hemodynamic parameters, in cirrhotic patients. Neither is there is data concerning comparison between albumin and normal saline. It is postulated that it may increase portal pressure thereby increasing the risk of variceal bleed. This study hypothesizes that albumin infusion might lead to alteration in portal and pulmonary hemodynamics in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Included patients of cirrhosis with ascites (based on inclusion and exclusion criteria) will undergo baseline investigations (systemic hemodynamics, pulmonary hemodynamics, portal hemodynamics). They will be randomized into two groups, each of 8. One group will receive infusion of 100 ml 20% albumin over 3 hours, and the other will receive infusion of 100 ml normal saline over 3 hours. Repeat hemodynamic studies will be performed after the infusion finishes. All results will be expressed as mean ± SD or frequency (%). Comparisons will be performed by the Student's t test or with the Wilcoxon's test
Non-comparative Study of BCD-085 in Combination With UDCA in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis...
Liver CirrhosisBiliaryBCD-085 is an innovative drug, anti-interleukin-17 monoclonal antibody. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BCD-085 in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
Quality of Life and Nutritional Improvements in Cirrhotic Patients
Liver CirrhosisHepatic Encephalopathy1 moreThe purpose of this study is to determine whether taking Rifaximin (Xifaxan) in conjunction with the use of nutritional concepts is effective in improving morbidity and quality of life in cirrhotic patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
A Study Evaluating the Utility of Ambrisentan in Lowering Portal Pressure in Patients With Liver...
CirrhosisPortal Hypertension1 moreEndothelin is a human hormone which has been associated with increased portal pressure in patients with liver cirrhosis (also called portal hypertension). Ambrisentan blocks the effects of endothelin. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ambrisentan on portal pressure and renal function in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and with portal hypertension. In this study, portal pressure will be determined at multiple times with the aid of a catheter inserted into the body of the patient. The effect of ambrisentan on the function of the kidney will also be investigated. This study will also evaluate the concentrations of ambrisentan in blood in patients with liver cirrhosis.
The vPPG-detecting Software Guided Management of Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension
Portal HypertensionCirrhosis1 moreThe aim of this study is to investigate the possibilities and effectiveness of managing cirrhotic portal hypertension using the non-invasive portal pressure gradient (PPG) detecting software. In this study, the three-dimensional reconstruction and natural follow-up methods have been respectively applied in the experimental (1st) and active comparator (2nd) group. The virtual PPG is calculated with anatomical and hemodynamic information of portal system collected by ultrasound and CT tests. Cirrhosis patients in the 1st group, with calculated vPPG values, are managed with upper GI endoscopic results. Besides, patients in the 2nd group, are managed according to the most updated Chinese clinical guideline for cirrhotic portal hypertension, namely, patients with either liver stiffness measurement (LSM) >15kPa or PLT count <150*10^9 should be screened and treated with upper GI endoscopy. The morbidity of decompensated cirrhotic events and mortality of patients in two arms will be compared. The cutoff values of vPPG to spare endoscopies with low missed VNT (varices needing treatment) are preliminarily determined with the cohort data.
Safety and Tolerability of Cilofexor in Participants With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and...
Primary Sclerosing CholangitisCompensated CirrhosisThe primary objective of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of cilofexor (CILO) in participants with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and compensated cirrhosis.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Plus Propranolol Versus Proton Pump Inhibitor Alone on Peptic Ulcer Healing...
Liver CirrhosisPeptic UlcerProton pump inhibitor plus propranolol versus proton pump inhibitor alone on peptic ulcer healing in patients with liver cirrhosis: a randomized trail