EUS Elastography for Predicting Cirrhotic-related Complications

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Nov 5, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new method called endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUS-E) to help doctors predict complications related to liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis can lead to serious issues like varices, which are enlarged veins that can bleed. The trial aims to see if measuring the stiffness of both the liver and spleen using this new technique can provide better insights into the severity of liver disease compared to traditional methods. This could help doctors identify patients at risk of developing complications sooner.

To participate in this study, patients must be at least 18 years old and have certain signs of liver cirrhosis based on imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans. They should also show signs of advanced liver fibrosis and have clinical evidence of hypersplenism, a condition where the spleen is overactive. However, individuals with severe liver problems, a history of liver cancer, or those who cannot undergo endoscopy are not eligible. Participants can expect to undergo a procedure that combines an examination of the upper digestive tract with the stiffness measurements, all aimed at improving care for those with chronic liver diseases.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with radiologic features suggestive of cirrhosis on abdominal imaging studies such as transabdominal ultrasound, CT or MRI and indication for variceal screening
• • Patients with suspected advanced liver fibrosis as detected by Fibroscan
• • Patients with clinical evidence of hypersplenism
• • Age \> 18 years
• • Written informed consent available
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with features of decompensated cirrhosis, such as history of ascites, prior variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome
• • Patients with history of hepatocellular carcinoma
• • Patients with history of liver transplant or TIPS or shunting surgery
• • Patients with portal and/or mesenteric vein thrombosis
• • Moribund patients from terminal illnesses
• • Patients with terminal malignancy
• • Contraindications for endoscopy
• • Unable to provide written informed consent
• • Pregnancy