New scope method challenges standard liver biopsy
NCT ID NCT05118308
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two procedures for getting a liver biopsy and measuring liver pressure in people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. One method uses a scope through the mouth (endoscopic ultrasound), the other goes through a vein in the neck (transjugular). The goal was to see which approach works better and is safer. 58 adults took part, and the results will help doctors choose the best technique.
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 show that endoscopic ultrasound is a safer or more effective way to get liver tissue and measure liver pressure, potentially changing standard practice.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 58 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and the new method might not be better or could have unforeseen risks.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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58 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2021
- Finished
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Jan 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 100 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age above 18 years * Undergoing evaluation for chronic liver disease or portal hypertension * Planned to undergo a liver biopsy and HVPG by their treating hepatologist for clinical purposes * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Uncorrectable coagulopathy (INR above 1.5) * Uncorrectable thrombocytopenia (Platelets under 50,000) * Anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy that cannot be discontinued * Surgically altered upper digestive anatomy * Biliary obstruction * Grade II ascites or more * Intrahepatic portal vein thrombosis * Previous liver transplantation * Past hypersensitivity reaction to midazolam or ketamine * History of psychotic disorder * Pregnancy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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McGill University Health Centre
Montreal, Quebec, H3G1A4, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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