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Evaluation of Liver Disease in Individuals Attending Alcohol Abuse Treatment - a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Liver Diseases
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Fibroscan
Diagnostic Test: Blood samples
Registration Number
NCT05244720
Lead Sponsor
Zealand University Hospital
Brief Summary

This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a non-blinded randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design of an invitation to an evaluation of liver disease (intervention) compared to standard care with no invitation, among individuals in alcohol abuse treatment.

Detailed Description

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is responsible for about 80% of all liver disease in Denmark. The prognosis for ALD is good, if detected early and abstinence is obtained. Unfortunately ALD is often diagnosed at a late state and the 1-year survival is only 30%.

Currently there is no available systematic screening for fibrosis/cirrhosis among patients with longterm abuse of alcohol and thereby high risk for developing ALD.

Transient elastography (TE) is a non-invasive, risk free and quick method of detecting fibrosis. TE is validated for diagnosing fibrosis and ruling out cirrhosis.

40 patients will be enrolled in the study with a 1:1 randomization. Baseline data is collected and informed concent is obtained at the local alcohol abuse treatment center, Novavi Køge. The fibroscan and blood samples are done at Zealand University Hospital, Køge. Follow-up is done after 6 months, by a project nurse, blinded to the intervention.

If the study proves to be feasible, our aim is to extend the study in order to investigate wether the interventions described above, could help decrease alcohol consumption/maintain abstinence for patients in alcohol treatment. Moreover the prevalence of fibrosis and cirrhosis found by fibroscan is examined.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • must be enrolled at alcohol treatment center Novavi Koege, Denmark
  • Maximum 6 months of treatment at Novavi Koege
Exclusion Criteria
  • known severe liver disease
  • life expectancy less than 6 months
  • unable to give informed written consent

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
InterventionFibroscanBaseline questionnaire filled out at recruitment. Invited to an examination of the liver, by fibroscan and blood samples, shortly after recruitment. Follow-up by phone after 6 months.
ControlFibroscanBaseline questionnaire filled out at recruitment. Follow-up by phone after 6 months. Invited to an optional examination of the liver, by fibroscan and blood samples, after 6 months.
ControlBlood samplesBaseline questionnaire filled out at recruitment. Follow-up by phone after 6 months. Invited to an optional examination of the liver, by fibroscan and blood samples, after 6 months.
InterventionBlood samplesBaseline questionnaire filled out at recruitment. Invited to an examination of the liver, by fibroscan and blood samples, shortly after recruitment. Follow-up by phone after 6 months.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Recruitment6 months

\>50% of those invited to participate gives written consent.

Retention6 months

\>50% of those recruited and randomized to an examination, will attend for an examination at the hospital

Completion6 months after randomization

\>50% of randomized patients complete follow-up

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Abstinence or reduction in alcohol consumption10 months

Abstinence from alcohol in the three months prior to the 6-months follow-up phone call.

Reduction in AUDIT score10 months

AUDIT score is reported at baseline, and again at the 6 months follow up phone call.

Prevalence of fibrosis/cirrhosis in individuals in alcohol treatment6 months

Results from fibroscan, with a mean value of \>8 indicating fibrosis and a mean value of \>15 indicating cirrhosis.

Reduction in Number of heavy drinking days10 months

Reduction in Number of heavy drinking days, data collected at follow-up after 6 months, compared to baseline data.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Medicine, Zealand University Hospital

🇩🇰

Køge, Denmark

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