Using bacteria to understand survival in alcoholic hepatitis

BActeriophages To Treat Liver Disease Eliminating Harmful Bacteria (BATTLE)

Observational Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre · NCT05618418

This study is trying to see if certain bacteria in the gut can affect how well people with alcoholic hepatitis do over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCopenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hvidovre)
Trial IDNCT05618418 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The BATTLE trial investigates the correlation between specific bacterial strains and survival rates in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Patients admitted to Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre and Herlev will provide blood and fecal samples for analysis. Over a one-year follow-up period, the study will examine whether the presence of cytolysin-producing E. faecalis is linked to decreased survival chances. This observational study aims to identify potential microbial factors influencing patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis and elevated bilirubin levels.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, or those expected to survive less than one year due to other diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding of the gut microbiome's role in alcoholic hepatitis and inform future treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on the gut microbiome's impact on various diseases are emerging, this specific approach to alcoholic hepatitis is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18
* Bilirubin \> 50 micromol/L
* History of large alcoholic consumption in period prior to hospital admission (in the last six months)
* No bile-duct obstruction (investigated through US, CT og MRI)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hepatocellulary carcinoma
* Viral hepatitis
* Autoimmune hepatitis
* Portal vein thrombosis
* Pregnancy
* Expected survival for less than one year caused by other diseases (based on decision from project responsible doctors

Where this trial is running

Hvidovre

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 Alcoholic HepatitisGut microbiome
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.