Evaluating oral health in patients with liver cirrhosis

Improving Gaps in Periodontal Care in Patients With Cirrhosis Through Interventions

Observational Hunter Holmes Mcguire Veteran Affairs Medical Center · NCT06052150

This study looks at the dental health of people with liver cirrhosis to see how their condition affects their oral care and what challenges they face in getting treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHunter Holmes Mcguire Veteran Affairs Medical Center Federal
Locations2 sites (Richmond, Virginia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06052150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the dental health and periodontal conditions of patients with cirrhosis, focusing on barriers to improving oral health in this population. It involves dental evaluations and periodontal cleanings, along with scheduled follow-ups to monitor both dental and overall health. The study highlights the importance of oral health in patients with cirrhosis, who often face unique challenges due to impaired immune responses and socioeconomic factors that limit access to dental care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are edentulous or have unclear diagnoses of cirrhosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved oral health and overall health outcomes for patients with cirrhosis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence of the impact of oral health on systemic conditions in cirrhosis, this specific observational approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age\>18 years
* Cirrhosis confirmed (liver biopsy, signs of current or prior decompensation, varices in patients with chronic liver disease, nodular liver on imaging, AST\>ALT and platelet count \>150K in patients with chronic liver disease, ultrasound, or MR elastography suggestive of cirrhosis).
* Willing and able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unclear diagnosis of cirrhosis
* Unable or unwilling to consent
* Edentulous
* Prior organ transplant
* On anticoagulant therapy

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia 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 CirrhosisPeriodontal Diseases
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.