Using fecal microbiota transplantation to treat liver cirrhosis

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation to Prevent Complications, Progression and Mortality of Liver Cirrhosis

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University of Aarhus · NCT04932577

This study is testing if a treatment called fecal microbiota transplantation can help people with liver cirrhosis feel better and reduce complications.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aarhus)
Trial IDNCT04932577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on patients with liver cirrhosis, particularly focusing on complications, disease progression, and mortality. The study will randomly assign 220 patients experiencing acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis into two groups: one receiving FMT and the other receiving a placebo. Researchers will monitor the patients for one year to assess changes in gut microbiota, gut barrier function, systemic inflammation, and immune response, aiming to understand the mechanistic effects of FMT on liver disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with liver cirrhosis and acute decompensation requiring intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple organ failures, untreated malignancies, or certain infections and diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with liver cirrhosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with fecal microbiota transplantation in various conditions, suggesting potential success in this novel application for liver cirrhosis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years
* Liver cirrhosis with Child-Pugh ≤ 12
* Acute decompensation requiring intervention (ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, infections leading to progressive liver failure, overthepatic encephalopathy, alcoholic hepatitis)

Exclusion Criteria:

* More than one organ failure defined by CLIF-SOFA score
* Untreated malignancy apart from non-melanoma skin cancer
* Untreated viral hepatitis
* HIV
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Celiac disease
* Clostridioides Difficile infection
* Pregnancy
* Unable to participate based on medical judgement

Where this trial is running

Aarhus

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 CirrhosisHepatic encephalopathyAscitesGastrointestinal bleedingSpontaneous bacterial peritonitisHepatorenal syndromeAlcoholic hepatitis
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.