Use of Methacetin Breath Test to Predict Liver Failure in Patients With Cirrhosis

Completed · Phase 3

Conditions studied: Cirrhosis

In brief

The methacetin breath test (MBT) is a non-invasive liver function test which measures the ability of the liver to metabolize a tracer dose of a compound to carbon dioxide, which is exhaled. The study hypothesis is that measurement of the MBT will allow earlier detection of a decline in liver function in patients with cirrhosis who are awaiting liver transplantation.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01157845

Run by

Virginia Commonwealth University

People needed

165

Starts

2010-03-01

Expected to finish

2012-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2014-05-16

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Being considered for placement or already on the liver transplantation waiting list
• Cirrhosis caused by any cause of chronic liver disease.
• Age > 18 years

You may not qualify if…

• Known or suspected hepatocellular carcinoma
• Prior TIPS placement
• Severe congestive heart failure
• Severe pulmonary hypertension
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HBA1C >9.5%)
• Any autoimmune disorder, which is currently being treated with prednisone or any other immune suppressive medication.
• Previous surgical bypass surgery for morbid obesity (BMI >45)
• Extensive small bowel resection
• Patients currently receiving total parenteral nutrition if they have contraindications to oral drugs
• Women who are pregnant
• Patients who are allergic to acetaminophen/ paracetamol or any other related medications
• Patients with an acute current exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchial asthma.
• Patients that are taking hepatotoxin drugs
• Patient, based on the opinion of the investigator, should not be enrolled into this study
• Patient is unable or unwilling to sign informed consent.
• Patients that are participating in other clinical trials evaluating experimental treatments or procedures

Where it is running

• Henry Ford Health System — Detroit, Michigan, United States
• Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States
• Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center — Richmond, Virginia, United States
• Hadassah Medical Center — Jerusalem, Israel, Israel

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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