Evaluating liver tissue in patients with urea cycle disorders

Hepatic Histopathology in Urea Cycle Disorders

Observational Baylor College of Medicine · NCT04908319

This study looks at liver tissue from people with urea cycle disorders to see how these conditions affect the liver, especially in those who have had a liver transplant or biopsy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04908319 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study involves a multi-site, retrospective chart review and prospective evaluation of liver histopathology in individuals diagnosed with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Conducted at Baylor College of Medicine and Children's National Medical Center, the study aims to assess liver samples to understand the histopathologic findings associated with various UCDs. The research focuses on the long-term hepatic complications that may arise due to these metabolic disorders, particularly in patients who have undergone liver transplantation or biopsy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with primary urea cycle disorders who have a history of or are planned for liver transplantation or biopsy.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary causes of liver disease or those unable to provide necessary histopathology reports will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of liver complications in urea cycle disorders, potentially leading to improved management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on liver histopathology in metabolic disorders exist, this specific approach focusing on urea cycle disorders is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of primary urea cycle disorder based on clinical suspicion confirmed by enzyme activity, DNA testing or metabolite analysis.
* History of liver transplantation and/or liver biopsy OR
* Planned liver transplantation and/or liver biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unavailability of histopathology report from the liver biopsy or explant, or unavailability of liver tissue or slides from the biopsy or explant OR
* Anticipated inability to obtain pathology report, liver disease, tissue blocks, or pathology slides after liver biopsy or transplantation
* Known history of a secondary cause for liver disease such as chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, short gut, small bowel syndrome, alcohol liver disease, or TPN-related cholestatic disease

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 1 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 Urea Cycle DisorderOrnithine Transcarbamylase DeficiencyCitrullinemia 1ARGI DeficiencyASL DeficiencyArgininosuccinic AciduriaASS DeficiencyHyperargininemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.