Vaccination for liver transplant candidates

VACcination of LIver Transplantation Candidates: Efficacy, Tolerance and Acceptability Prospective Cohort Study.

Observational Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT04446832

This study tests if getting vaccinated can help people waiting for a liver transplant stay healthier and avoid serious infections.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsrituximab, chemotherapy, prednisone
Locations1 site (Lyon)
Trial IDNCT04446832 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients awaiting liver transplantation, who are at increased risk for severe infections due to their compromised immune systems. It aims to evaluate the immunogenicity of vaccines in these patients, ensuring they receive appropriate vaccinations to prevent infections that could complicate their condition. The study involves candidates referred by the hepato-gastroenterology department for pre-transplant evaluation and assesses their vaccination status and response. By updating vaccinations, the study seeks to improve the overall health and safety of liver transplant candidates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are awaiting liver transplantation and have been referred for pre-transplant evaluation.

Not a fit: Patients who are candidates for multi-organ transplants or those who have received significant immunosuppressive therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the immune response to vaccinations in liver transplant candidates, reducing their risk of severe infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have indicated the importance of vaccination in immunocompromised populations, suggesting that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥ 18 years old
* patients waiting for liver transplantation referred by hepato-gastroenterology department as part of the pre-transplant evaluation to the infectiology consultation
* patient who were informed of the study and did not object to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient candidate for multi-organ transplant
* patient who received immunosuppressive therapy, biotherapy and/ or corticosteroid therapy at a dose greater than 10 mg / day of prednisone equivalent for more than 2 weeks within 3 months before vaccination (6 months of rituximab)
* patient who received polyvalent immunoglobulins within the 6 months before the serological evaluation
* patient who received systemic anti-cancer chemotherapy for solid tumor or hemopathy within 6 months preceding the start of vaccination
* splenectomized patients
* asplenic patients for a reason other than liver disease
* chronic infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
* patient with any other hereditary immune deficiency or acquired which could compromise the vaccine response or interpretation of serological results
* patient under legal protection measure or unable to consent to the study

Where this trial is running

Lyon

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 TransplantComplicationsVaccinationCirrhosisChronic 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.