Can a simple ultrasound spot muscle loss in liver disease?

NCT ID NCT07667608

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This observational study will use bedside ultrasound to measure the diaphragm—the main breathing muscle—in 120 adults with liver cirrhosis and compare them to healthy volunteers. Researchers want to see if cirrhosis weakens the diaphragm and if removing fluid from the belly improves its function. They will also check if ultrasound measurements can reliably detect muscle loss (sarcopenia) compared to CT scans.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a simple, low-cost ultrasound test to detect muscle wasting and breathing problems early in people with liver cirrhosis.

What could go wrong

This is an early observational study with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It does not test a treatment, so it won't directly improve health.

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.

Ascites cirrhosis of liver Fibrosis hepatocellular carcinoma pleural disorder Pleural Effusion Sarcopenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

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  • Contact

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