Fecal microbiota transplantation for alcohol use disorder in patients with liver cirrhosis

FMT for Alcohol Use Disorder in Cirrhotics: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India · NCT06496191

This study is testing whether a treatment using gut bacteria from healthy donors can help people with liver cirrhosis due to alcohol use stay sober and reduce their drinking relapses.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment54 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstitute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi)
Trial IDNCT06496191 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients suffering from alcohol-related liver cirrhosis. Conducted over a year at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi, the trial will assess whether FMT can help maintain abstinence from alcohol and reduce the frequency of lapses and relapses in drinking behavior. The study will involve a randomized controlled design with participants receiving either FMT, standard medical treatment, or a placebo. The primary focus is on the modulation of gut microbiota to improve outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with alcohol-related cirrhosis and active alcohol consumption within the last four weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with severe liver dysfunction, recent antibiotic use, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve abstinence rates and overall health outcomes for patients with alcohol-related liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of FMT in this context is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promising results in related areas of gut microbiota modulation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. All consecutive patients with alcohol related cirrhosis with serum bilirubin \<5mg/dl with an active alcohol consumption atleast within last 4 weeks aged between 18 -70yrs.
2. Fulfilling DSM - 5 criteria for alcohol use disorder (Association, 2013).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Acute illness or fever on the day of planned FMT
3. Ongoing/Past 2 weeks antibiotic use
4. Unclear diagnosis of CLD
5. Non-elective hospitalization within last month
6. Serum bilirubin \>5mg/dl
7. Grade 2 or more Ascites
8. Any Episode of HE Grade 2 or more or requiring hospital admission within 3 months
9. Episode of AVB within last 3 months
10. Treatment with corticosteroids/Immunosupression within the past 60 days
11. Unwilling to participate
12. Dependence on any other substance (except Nicotine)
13. Psychiatric disorder requiring pharmacotherapy/Suicidal tendency
14. Known untreated, in-situ luminal GI cancers \& chronic intrinsic GI diseases.

Where this trial is running

New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi

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 Liver Cirrhosis
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.