Transcriptional Analysis of Mechanisms in Liver Failure and Sepsis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · Aug 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the body’s immune system reacts during serious illnesses like acute liver failure and sepsis. Acute liver failure happens when the liver suddenly stops working, often due to an overdose of paracetamol (a common painkiller). This condition can cause inflammation that harms not just the liver but other organs too, sometimes requiring a liver transplant to save the patient’s life. The researchers want to better understand the inflammation process by looking closely at certain blood cells involved, hoping to find new treatments that could reduce the need for liver transplants or help patients wait longer for a donated liver.

People who might take part in this study are adults who are in intensive care because of acute liver failure caused by paracetamol overdose or because of sepsis, which is a serious infection affecting the whole body. Participants will be asked to provide blood samples that will help researchers analyze the immune response during these conditions. This study is not yet open for recruitment, and it does not include children under 16. The goal is to find better ways to treat these life-threatening illnesses and improve survival without always needing a liver transplant.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • acute liver failure due to acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose admitted to ICU
• • all cause sepsis admitted to ICU
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • age \<16y