Using Ivabradine to Treat Heart Issues in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Efficacy of Carvedilol + Ivabradine vs Carvedilol Alone for Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Chronic Liver Disease Patients and Its' Impact on Morbidity and Mortality; a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Pgimer · NCT04111133

This study is testing if adding ivabradine to carvedilol can help people with liver cirrhosis and heart issues feel better and improve their heart function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorPgimer
Locations1 site (Chandigarh, Choose Any State/Province)
Trial IDNCT04111133 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial involves 130 patients with liver cirrhosis who have been diagnosed with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a combination of carvedilol and ivabradine or carvedilol alone, with the goal of reducing heart rate to improve cardiac function. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of ivabradine, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate beta-blockers due to side effects. Assessments will occur at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to monitor clinical events, cardiac and renal function, and mortality rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with liver cirrhosis and diagnosed left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic renal disease, existing beta-blocker therapy, or other significant cardiac or systemic conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option for patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy who cannot tolerate standard beta-blocker therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using targeted heart rate reduction for managing left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in cirrhosis, but the specific use of ivabradine alone is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range of 18-65 years
* Cirrhosis, as diagnosed by histology or clinical, laboratory and USG findings,
* LV diastolic dysfunction on 2D echocardiography

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic renal disease
* Patient already on beta blocker
* Pregnancy and peripartum cardiomyopathy
* Hypertension
* Coronary artery disease
* Valvular heart disease
* Sick sinus syndrome/ Pacemaker
* Cardiac rhythm disorder
* Hypothyroidism
* Hyperthyroidism
* Portal vein thrombosis
* Transjugular intrahepatic porto systemic shunt (TIPS) insertion
* Hepatocellular carcinoma
* Anemia Hb \< 8gm/dl in females, and \< 9 gm/dl in males

Where this trial is running

Chandigarh, Choose Any State/Province

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 Cirrhotic CardiomyopathyLeft Ventricular DysfunctionCirrhosis, LiverPortal HypertensionCirrhotic cardiomyopathyLeft ventricular diatolic dysfunctionCarvedilolIvabradine
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.