Poop pills could clear brain fog in liver disease

NCT ID NCT03420482

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether transplanting healthy gut bacteria from donors can improve confusion in people with advanced liver disease. Thirty participants will receive either fecal transplant capsules or a placebo. The goal is to see if this approach can safely improve thinking and reduce side effects compared to current treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) oral capsules

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new, safer treatment for confusion caused by liver disease by restoring healthy gut bacteria.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The treatment may not work better than placebo, and there are risks of infection or side effects from the transplant.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cirrhosis of liver hepatic encephalopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States