Comparison of patients with alcoholic liver disease and healthy controls

Comparison of ALD, NASH, and Healthy Control Patients

Observational The Cleveland Clinic · NCT03224949

This study is collecting samples from people with alcoholic liver disease and healthy individuals to see how certain markers and genes might affect the disease and its treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT03224949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect biological samples from individuals with varying stages of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) as well as healthy controls. The samples, including plasma, serum, and urine, will be utilized to investigate specific biomarkers and genetic factors that may influence disease severity and treatment responses. By establishing a biorepository, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of ALD and its progression, ultimately aiding in the development of targeted therapies. The research is part of the Clinical Core component of the Northern Ohio Alcohol Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease at various stages, including steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Not a fit: Patients with liver disease not related to alcohol consumption or those without significant liver impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with alcoholic liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in utilizing biological samples to understand liver diseases, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Alcoholic Steatosis Patients

Inclusion

* Fat accumulation (Steatosis) without signs of fibrosis/ inflammation in patients with alcohol abuse (alcohol intake \>60 g/day in men and \>40 g/day in women)
* Abnormal liver serum tests indicative of liver disease (elevated AST\>ALT, y-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin) .

Alcoholic Hepatitis with Mild Fibrosis

Inclusion

* Steatosis plus hepatocellular damage (presence of Mallory bodies and hepatocellular ballooning)
* Polymorphonuclear infiltrate
* Fibrosis stage 1-2

Alcoholic Hepatitis with Advanced Fibrosis

Inclusion

* Steatosis plus hepatocellular damage (presence of Mallory bodies and hepatocellular ballooning)
* Polymorphonuclear infiltrate
* Fibrosis stage 3-4.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Inclusion

* Fibrosis stage 4
* Presence of complications of cirrhosis such as esophageal varices with our without a previous episode of bleeding, splenomegaly, ascites, hepatic corroborate the diagnosis of cirrhosis.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis with HCC

Inclusion

-Diagnostic criteria of cirrhosis and established HCC. The diagnosis of HCC will be established based on histological confirmation or contrast-enhanced radiographic imaging according to the AASLD recommendations.

Exclusion

* BMI\>35
* HBV
* Hemochromatosis
* Wilson's disease
* Autoimmune hepatitis
* Drug-inducted liver disease
* Hepatitis C
* Antitrypsin deficiency
* Patients who do not sign informed consent.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Inclusion -Biopsy proven NASH and chronic liver disease due to HCV patients.

Exclusion

* Cancer
* Diabetes
* Hypertension
* CAD or stroke
* Past history of liver disease
* Hepatitis C
* Antitrypsin deficiency
* Alcohol consumption of less than 7 drinks per week for women and less than 14 drinks per week for men
* BMI \>35.

Healthy controls

Inclusion

-AUDIT-C score less than 4 in men and less than 3 in women.

Exclusion

* Cancer (except of non-melanoma skin cancer)
* Diabetes
* Hypertension
* Hypercholesterolemia
* Coronary artery disease or stroke
* History of current or past liver disease of any etiology
* BMI \>27Kg/m2

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

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 ALD - Alcoholic Liver Disease
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.