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Human Albumin Infusion in Liver Cirrhosis and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HACHE)

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy
Interventions
Drug: Human albumin infusion at a modified dosage
Drug: Human albumin infusion at a routine dosage
Drug: Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Registration Number
NCT06483737
Lead Sponsor
General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region
Brief Summary

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a fatal complication of decompensated cirrhosis, is characterized as neurocognitive dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests the potential role of human albumin infusion for the treatment of HE, but the optimal dosage is obscure. Herein, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to compare the efficacy of human albumin infusion at different dosages in cirrhotic patients with overt HE.

Detailed Description

Overall, 174 cirrhotic patients with a diagnosis of overt HE and a serum albumin level of 23-32g/L will be enrolled. They will be stratified according to the severity of overt HE and randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1 into the groups of human albumin infusion at a modified dosage and a routine dosage. The primary endpoint is the improvement of overt HE within 5 days after treatment. The secondary endpoints include recurrence of overt HE, survival, and adverse events.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
174
Inclusion Criteria
  • A definite diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and overt HE
  • A serum albumin level of 23-32g/L
  • Age ≥18 years old
  • Sign the informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Contraindications to human albumin infusion
  • A history of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
  • A diagnosis of acute liver failure
  • Severe heart and/or lung diseases
  • Psychiatric or nervous diseases
  • Pregnant or lactating

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Modified dosage groupHuman albumin infusion at a modified dosageIntravenous infusion of human albumin 30-60g.
Modified dosage groupLactuloseIntravenous infusion of human albumin 30-60g.
Modified dosage groupRifaximinIntravenous infusion of human albumin 30-60g.
Modified dosage groupOrnithine AspartateIntravenous infusion of human albumin 30-60g.
Modified dosage groupBranched-Chain Amino AcidsIntravenous infusion of human albumin 30-60g.
Modified dosage groupArginineIntravenous infusion of human albumin 30-60g.
Routine dosage groupHuman albumin infusion at a routine dosageIntravenous infusion of human albumin 10-20g.
Routine dosage groupLactuloseIntravenous infusion of human albumin 10-20g.
Routine dosage groupRifaximinIntravenous infusion of human albumin 10-20g.
Routine dosage groupOrnithine AspartateIntravenous infusion of human albumin 10-20g.
Routine dosage groupBranched-Chain Amino AcidsIntravenous infusion of human albumin 10-20g.
Routine dosage groupArginineIntravenous infusion of human albumin 10-20g.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change of overt HE.3-5 days

The change of HE is defined as a decrease or an increase of at least one grade of the West Haven criteria after treatment.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Survival3 months

All participants will be followed by telephone to record survival status, including the major cause and date of death.

Recurrence of overt HE.3 months

Clinical symptoms related to overt HE recur and can be diagnosed with overt HE again according to the West Haven criteria.

Reversal of overt HE.3-5 days

The reversal of HE is defined as clinical symptoms of overt HE disappear after treatment.

Adverse events3 months

Adverse events will be monitored, including allergy, heart failure, pulmonary edema, acute hemolysis, renal dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric abnormalities.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (formerly called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area)

🇨🇳

Shenyang, Liaoning, China

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