Improving blood flow measurement in patients with cirrhosis to prevent dangerous bleeding
Official title: Development of 4D Flow MRI for Risk Stratification of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10747919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, safe MRI method to check blood flow in people with cirrhosis, helping to spot dangerous varices without needing any invasive procedures, so patients can avoid the risks of traditional monitoring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $557,551 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK125783-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with cirrhosis and at risk for developing gastroesophageal varices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cirrhosis who do not have any risk factors for developing gastroesophageal varices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive MRI technique to measure blood flow in patients with cirrhosis, a severe liver disease. By identifying the risk of gastroesophageal varices, which can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding, the study aims to provide a safer alternative to current invasive surveillance methods. Patients will undergo MRI scans to assess their blood flow patterns, helping to predict the presence of high-risk varices without the need for sedation or invasive procedures. This approach could significantly enhance patient management and reduce the risks associated with traditional monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective monitoring of patients with cirrhosis, potentially reducing the incidence of fatal bleeding episodes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques for assessing blood flow in various conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reeder, Scott B. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Reeder, Scott B.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis
A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
-
Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin
This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center
A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.
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Understanding how risk factors affect progression of cirrhosis and response to statins in patients with cirrhosis
This project follows people with cirrhosis to see what factors speed up their liver disease and whether statin medicines help prevent worsening.
-
Cirrhosis Network study to understand mortality and therapies
A large, multi-center study in people with cirrhosis to find better ways to predict deaths and test the potential of statins to prevent complications like liver cancer and liver failure.
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.