Smartphone app for managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Effectiveness of a Smartphone App in Promoting Weight Loss in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: a Pilot Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether a smartphone app can help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease lose weight and improve their liver health better than standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 260 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Select A State Or Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT05180760 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone app designed for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The app aims to help users track their health data, receive health education, and estimate calorie intake and energy expenditure. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the app or receive standard care, with various health metrics assessed at the beginning and after 12 months. The study seeks to determine if app users achieve greater weight loss and improvements in liver health compared to those receiving standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with NAFLD who can read and understand Chinese and own a compatible smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with cirrhosis, those on specific medications, or individuals with heavy alcohol use may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved weight management and liver health for patients with NAFLD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using mobile health technologies for chronic disease management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * known NAFLD * able to read and understand Chinese * owns a compatible smartphone * without major cognitive impairment. Exclusion Criteria: * on SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, or thiazolidinediones * patients with cirrhosis * patients who are pregnant * patients on special diet or with special dietary requirement (e.g. vegan, gluten free) * patients with heavy alcohol use (≥20 grams/ day for women or ≥30 grams/ day for men) * history of HCC or LT
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Select A State Or Province
- The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Select A State Or Province, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lung-Yi Mak, MD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Lung-Yi Mak, MD
- Email: lungyi@hku.hk
- Phone: 852 22554704
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.