Measuring pressure in the jugular vein to assess fluid levels in cirrhotic patients receiving albumin

Measurement of Occlusion Pressure of the External Jugular Vein for Intravascular Volume Assessment in Cirrhotic Patients During Intravenous Albumin Substitution.

Not applicable Interventional Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT06544161

This study tests a new way to measure fluid levels in cirrhotic patients receiving albumin to see if it helps manage their treatment better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bern)
Trial IDNCT06544161 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves cirrhotic patients who require intravenous albumin infusion. Participants will undergo a non-invasive venous compression technique on the external jugular vein, along with ultrasound examinations before and after a passive leg raise and albumin infusion. The goal is to evaluate the dynamics of intravascular volume status and identify any potential volume overload. This approach aims to improve the management of fluid therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with liver cirrhosis requiring intravenous albumin infusion according to established guidelines.

Not a fit: Patients in intensive care or those with contraindications to the study procedures will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and safer fluid management for cirrhotic patients receiving albumin.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using non-invasive methods for assessing volume status is gaining traction, this specific combination of techniques has not been widely tested in cirrhotic patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* In- and outpatients with liver cirrhosis of any etiology, diagnosed by either liver histology or compatible biochemical, imaging and clinical parameters, being treated at the department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine at Inselspital Bern, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland.
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Indication for IV albumin infusion according to current EASL guidelines\[11\] and BAVENO VII consensus recommendations\[12\] including large volume paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), AKI with/without HRS.
* Available transthoracic echocardiography assessing right heart function within maximum 3 months from study inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients admitted to intermediate care unit or intensive care unit at the time of albumin infusion
* Previous IV albumin infusion within the last 5 days
* Contraindication to the PLR test (i.e. increased intracranial pressure)
* Contraindication to albumin infusion (i.e. anaphylactic reactions against albumin)
* History of right heart failure
* Clinical evidence of lung edema, hemodynamic instability/shock
* Anatomic IVC abnormalities, such as IVC stenosis and/or thrombosis
* History of orthotopic liver transplant
* Patients unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Bern

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 CirrhosisCirrhosisAlbuminVolume overload
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.