Cohort study on non-invasive tests for liver lesions in NAFLD patients

French Cohort for the Study of Non-invasive Tests of Liver Lesions in NAFLD/NASH (FreSH Cohort)

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Angers · NCT03695796

This study is testing new blood tests and imaging tools to see if they can help identify liver problems in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease without needing a biopsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Angers Government
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations16 sites (Amiens and 15 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03695796 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to create a large multicenter cohort of patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who have undergone liver biopsy. It focuses on developing and validating non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as blood tests and elastography devices, to identify patients who may benefit from future treatments. The study will also establish a biobank to support ongoing research in non-invasive liver lesion diagnosis. By gathering data from multiple French centers, the study seeks to enhance the understanding and management of NAFLD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with biopsy-proven NAFLD who meet specific metabolic risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that cause steatosis due to certain medications or those with excessive alcohol consumption may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved non-invasive diagnostic methods for NAFLD, facilitating better patient management and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in developing non-invasive diagnostic tools for liver diseases, indicating that this approach has potential based on previous findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* NAFLD diagnosis defined by the presence of at least two of the following elements:

  * Liver steatosis (hyperechoic liver on hepatic ultrasound, quantification \> 5.6 % by spectroscopy or MRI)
  * Presence of one metabolic risk factor:

    * BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or waist circumference ≥ 94 cm (male) / ≥ 80 cm (female)
    * Antihypertensive treatment or systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mmHg
    * Antidiabetic treatment or fasting blood glucose ≥ 5.6 mmol/l
    * Lipid-lowering treatment or triglycerides ≥ 1.71 mmol/l or HDL cholesterol \<1.1 mmol/l (male) / \<1.3 mmol/l (female)
    * Dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia
  * Anomaly in the liver enzyme test or liver function tests
* Indication for liver biopsy in the clinical management of the patient
* Obtaining the signature of the consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Steatogenic treatment (corticosteroids, tamoxifen, amiodarone, methotrexate)
* Excessive alcohol consumption in the last 5 years (\> 210 g / week for men or \> 140 g / week for women)
* Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C
* Any evidence of other concomitant chronic liver disease
* Decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, digestive bleeding due to varicose vein rupture, liver failure, hepatocellular failure, hepato-renal syndrome)
* Hepatocellular carcinoma
* Pregnant, breastfeeding or parturient women
* Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision
* Persons subject to legal protection measures
* Persons unable to consent
* Refusal to participate

Where this trial is running

Amiens and 15 other locations

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 NAFLDpatients with a NAFLD proven by liver biopsy
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.