Prehab and Creatine/Whey Supplementation in Frailty Among Patients With Cirrhosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special digital program combined with nutritional supplements can help maintain muscle health in people with cirrhosis, a type of liver disease. The program, called HEAL-ME, is an app that guides patients through exercises and nutrition plans before and during treatment (called prehabilitation). Participants will also take supplements containing creatine and whey protein, which are nutrients that may help build and keep muscle strong. The goal is to see if using both the app and supplements together can reduce frailty (weakness) and muscle loss, which are common problems in people with liver disease.

People who might be eligible for this study are adults between 65 and 74 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis. They need to have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet at home and be able to understand and agree to participate. People who are allergic to milk protein, on dialysis, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have other serious health issues may not be eligible. Those who join can expect to use the digital app and take the supplements for at least three months while researchers monitor their muscle health. This study has not started recruiting yet, but it aims to find new ways to help people with liver disease stay stronger and healthier.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis by ICD-10 code, liver biopsy, abdominal imaging, or transient elastography
• • Access to digital device and internet at home
• • Ability to provide written informed consent before any study-related activities
• • Ability to remain in study for at least 3 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Allergy to milk protein
• • On hemodialysis
• • No English language proficiency
• • Presence of condition or abnormality that in opinion of the Investigator will compromise safety of the patient or quality of the data
• • Concomitant severe underlying systemic illness that in the opinion of the Investigator would interfere with completion of study
• • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or intention of becoming pregnant during study time frame