Early liver transplant for severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) to save lives
Official title: Multidisciplinary approach to study of patients with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11413494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins program is testing whether giving an early liver transplant to patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who can’t be helped by standard treatments can save lives and reduce relapse risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,694,816 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA027054-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with severe alcoholic hepatitis who are refractory to medical therapy and have high short-term mortality without transplantation, potentially eligible for early liver transplant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not meet criteria for early transplant or who have contraindications to transplantation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program at Johns Hopkins investigates whether offering liver transplantation before the usual 6-month sobriety period can dramatically improve survival for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. It builds on an initial pilot showing good 1-year survival and relapse rates similar to patients who waited longer, and has grown into the DELTA Center housing a large cohort. The study uses real patient data from SAH/ELT patients to inform listing criteria and practice patterns for broader use. The goal is to establish evidence-based guidelines so more patients in dire need can access life-saving transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase survival for patients with SAH and refine eligibility criteria to balance lifesaving transplant access with relapse risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot data suggested excellent 1-year post-transplant survival and comparable relapse rates to patients with 6-month sobriety.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cameron, Andrew M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cameron, Andrew M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.