Using spleen stiffness measurement to predict outcomes in liver disease patients with acute liver injury

Spleen Stiffness Measurement Predicts Short-term Outcomes of Chronic Liver Disease Inpatients With Acute Liver Injury: a Prospective, Observational and Multicentre Study

Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT06173947

This study is testing if measuring spleen stiffness can help predict how patients with chronic liver disease and acute liver injury will do in the short term.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment411 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT06173947 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study utilizes a non-invasive tool called spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) to monitor disease progression in inpatients suffering from chronic liver disease (CLD) and acute liver injury. The goal is to establish an early warning model for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and to assess how changes in SSM can impact short-term patient outcomes, including morbidity and mortality over 28 and 90 days. By focusing on the relationship between portal hypertension and liver failure, the study aims to provide valuable insights into managing these serious conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 with chronic liver diseases and acute liver injury indicated by elevated bilirubin levels.

Not a fit: Patients with prior liver surgeries, severe extrahepatic diseases, or certain mental health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved management of acute-on-chronic liver failure in patients with chronic liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the utility of spleen stiffness measurement in assessing portal hypertension and predicting complications in cirrhotic patients, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 years and 80 years
2. Chronic liver diseases regardless of etiology
3. Acute liver injury with total bilirubin ≥ 3 mg/dl regardless of inducement

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior surgery of liver diseases before enrollment such as liver transplantation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), splenectomy and partial splenic embolization
2. Severe extrahepatic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease level IV, chronic kidney disease with end-stage renal failure, myocardial infarction within 3 months before admission
3. Receiving Immunosuppressive drugs for reasons rather than chronic liver diseases
4. Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma or other non-liver malignancies during screening period
5. Serious mental illnesses such as anxiety, depressive disorders to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
6. The pregnant
7. Jaundice due to biliary obstruction or cholestasis
8. Unsuitable to participate in this study judging by investigators

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: End Stage Liver Disease, Jaundice, Liver Dysfunction, Portal Hypertension, Chronic Liver Disease, Spleen Stiffness Measurement, Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.