Biochemical response and health outcomes in people with primary biliary cholangitis

Impact of Enhanced Biochemical Response on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Bidirectional Cohort Study

Observational RenJi Hospital · NCT07449793

We will follow adults with primary biliary cholangitis who are taking ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to see if their alkaline phosphatase levels after treatment predict how long they stay free of complications.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorRenJi Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
Trial IDNCT07449793 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a bidirectional cohort study using a mainland China database at RenJi Hospital that continuously collects demographics, symptoms, and biochemical data from diagnosed PBC patients. Investigators will track post-treatment alkaline phosphatase (AKP/ALP) levels in patients treated with standard-dose UDCA and record complication-free survival outcomes. The team will analyze the association between different post-treatment ALP levels and time to complications and will develop a predictive survival model. The work is observational and aims to validate prognostic markers within this Chinese patient cohort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with a confirmed PBC diagnosis per the 2018 AASLD criteria who are receiving standard-dose UDCA (13–15 mg/kg/day) and can complete study follow-up are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with other active liver diseases (such as active hepatitis B or C, autoimmune hepatitis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis), suspected hepatocellular carcinoma, recent other malignancies, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those not on standard-dose UDCA or unable to adhere to follow-up are unlikely to benefit from the study findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk of complications and tailor monitoring or treatment decisions accordingly.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that post-treatment alkaline phosphatase levels correlate with outcomes in PBC and several prognostic models exist, though validation in a mainland China cohort is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age above 18 years old, Male or Female,
* Diagnosis of PBC meeting the 2018 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Practice Guidelines criteria;
* Treatment with UDCA at a standard dose (13-15 mg/kg/day), with or without other second-line medications.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Co-existing liver diseases, including but not limited to: Hepatitis C virus infection; Active Hepatitis B infection (patients who are HBsAg-negative and HBeAg-negative may be considered eligible per investigator assessment);
* Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH); Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC); Suspected or confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma;
* Female subjects who is pregnant or breastfeeding during the study;
* History of other malignancies, including hematological tumors, solid tumors except hepatobiliary system;
* Poor adherence or inability to complete the study follow-up.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Primary Biliary CholangitisPrimary Biliary CirrhosisCholangitisBile Duct DiseasesBiliary Tract DiseasesDigestive System DiseasesCholangitis, BiliaryCirrhosis, Biliary
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.