Diese Seite wurde automatisch übersetzt und die Genauigkeit der Übersetzung wird nicht garantiert. Bitte wende dich an die englische Version für einen Quelltext.

Ultrasound Assessment of Diaphragmatic Structure and Function in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Point-of-Care Tool for Predicting Complications and Sarcopenia in Limited Resource Settings

19. Juni 2026 aktualisiert von: Nada Refaat Mohamed Abdelshafy Samasiri, Assiut University

The goal of this observational study is to learn how liver cirrhosis affects the diaphragm, the main muscle used for breathing, in adults. The study will measure diaphragmatic thickness, thickening fraction, and excursion using bedside ultrasound and compare these values between patients with cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Do patients with cirrhosis show reduced diaphragmatic function compared to healthy adults?

Does removal of ascitic fluid by paracentesis improve diaphragmatic mechanics?

Can ultrasound measurements of the diaphragm serve as a reliable non-invasive marker of sarcopenia when compared to CT scans?

Participants will:

Undergo diaphragmatic ultrasound during quiet and deep breathing

Provide clinical and laboratory data related to liver disease severity

In some cases, have ultrasound repeated before and after paracentesis

For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, CT scans will be analyzed to measure muscle mass

Studienübersicht

Status

Noch keine Rekrutierung

Bedingungen

Detaillierte Beschreibung

This study is a prospective observational cohort designed to evaluate diaphragmatic structure and function in adults with liver cirrhosis. Using bedside ultrasound, the study will measure diaphragmatic thickness, thickening fraction, and excursion, and compare these values across different stages of liver disease severity and complications such as ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A subgroup of patients undergoing large-volume paracentesis will have ultrasound assessments before and after fluid removal to determine the acute impact of ascites drainage on diaphragmatic mechanics. In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, existing CT scans will be analyzed to calculate skeletal muscle index, allowing correlation between ultrasound parameters and sarcopenia. Healthy volunteers will serve as a reference group for establishing normative values. Clinical and laboratory data, respiratory outcomes, and hospitalization details will also be collected to explore associations between diaphragmatic dysfunction and patient prognosis. The study aims to validate diaphragmatic ultrasound as a simple, non-invasive tool for respiratory monitoring and sarcopenia assessment in cirrhosis, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Studientyp

Beobachtungs

Einschreibung (Geschätzt)

120

Kontakte und Standorte

Dieser Abschnitt enthält die Kontaktdaten derjenigen, die die Studie durchführen, und Informationen darüber, wo diese Studie durchgeführt wird.

Studienkontakt

Studieren Sie die Kontaktsicherung

  • Name: Mohamed Abdelghany Abdelhamed
  • Telefonnummer: +201112828724
  • E-Mail: Moh7111@aun.edu.eg

Teilnahmekriterien

Forscher suchen nach Personen, die einer bestimmten Beschreibung entsprechen, die als Auswahlkriterien bezeichnet werden. Einige Beispiele für diese Kriterien sind der allgemeine Gesundheitszustand einer Person oder frühere Behandlungen.

Zulassungskriterien

Studienberechtigtes Alter

  • Erwachsene
  • Älterer Erwachsener

Akzeptiert gesunde Freiwillige

Ja

Probenahmeverfahren

Nicht-Wahrscheinlichkeitsprobe

Studienpopulation

Adults (≥18 years of age) with confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis attending the hepatology outpatient clinic or admitted to the hepatology inpatient unit of the study institution.

Study Subgroups The total study sample will consist of 120 participants, including 95 patients with liver cirrhosis and 25 healthy controls. The cirrhotic cohort will include patients across different Child-Pugh classes and MELD scores and will encompass clinically relevant subgroups such as patients with ascites undergoing paracentesis, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

  • Subgroup A: Ascites/Paracentesis (n=30): Patients with tense or refractory ascites for whom large-volume paracentesis is clinically indicated. This subgroup will contribute both cross-sectional and longitudinal (pre/post paracentesis) data.
  • Subgroup B: Hepatic Hydrothorax (n=40): Twenty patients with confirmed hepatic hydrothorax (HH; defined as pleural effusion >500 mL in the absence of primary cardiopulm

Beschreibung

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age ≥18 years.
  2. Confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis based on clinical, biochemical, histological, or imaging criteria.
  3. Ability to provide written informed consent in Arabic or English.
  4. For Subgroup A: clinical indication for large-volume paracentesis with an ascitic volume of ≥5 liters.
  5. For Subgroup B: confirmed hepatic hydrothorax or confirmed absence of pleural effusion on ultrasound or chest X-ray.
  6. For Subgroup C: radiologically confirmed HCC by triphasic CT or MRI according to EASL/AASLD diagnostic criteria, with available CT imaging for L3 SMI analysis.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Significant pre-existing primary pulmonary disease (e.g., moderate-to-severe COPD defined as FEV1/FVC <70% with FEV1 <60% predicted, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis) that independently affects diaphragmatic mechanics.
  2. Recent thoracic surgery, thoracocentesis within the preceding 72 hours, or thoracic trauma.
  3. Neuromuscular disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome) independently affecting diaphragmatic function.
  4. Active mechanical ventilation at time of enrollment.
  5. Pregnancy.
  6. Inability to achieve adequate ultrasound acoustic windows (e.g., due to extreme obesity or surgical dressings).
  7. Contraindications to paracentesis in Subgroup A (e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation, bowel obstruction).
  8. Prior or planned liver transplantation within the study period, which would confound longitudinal follow-up.
  9. Refusal or inability to provide informed consent.

Studienplan

Dieser Abschnitt enthält Einzelheiten zum Studienplan, einschließlich des Studiendesigns und der Messung der Studieninhalte.

Wie ist die Studie aufgebaut?

Designdetails

Kohorten und Interventionen

Gruppe / Kohorte
Adults with Liver Cirrhosis
This cohort includes adults diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, with subgroups defined by complications such as ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A subgroup undergoing paracentesis will be assessed before and after fluid removal to evaluate acute changes in diaphragmatic function. In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, CT scans will be analyzed to calculate skeletal muscle index for correlation with ultrasound findings. A small number of healthy volunteers will also undergo diaphragmatic ultrasound to establish normative reference values; however, they are not considered a separate cohort for analysis.

Was misst die Studie?

Primäre Ergebnismessungen

Ergebnis Maßnahme
Maßnahmenbeschreibung
Zeitfenster
Diaphragmatic Thickness (Tdi-exp, Tdi-insp) [cm]
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic thickness at end-expiration (Tdi-exp) and end-inspiration (Tdi-insp) measured by B-mode ultrasound.
Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction (TF) [%]
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Thickening fraction calculated as [(Tdi-insp - Tdi-exp) / Tdi-exp] × 100, measured by B-mode ultrasound.
Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic Excursion (DE) [cm]
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Amplitude of diaphragmatic displacement measured by M-mode ultrasound during quiet breathing.
Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Group Differences in Diaphragmatic Thickness Across Cirrhosis Stages
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment)

Mean differences in diaphragmatic thickness (cm) between patients with Child-Pugh A, B, and C cirrhosis, and across MELD score strata.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (cm).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment)
Group Differences in Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction Across Cirrhosis Stages
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Mean differences in diaphragmatic thickening fraction (%) between patients with Child-Pugh A, B, and C cirrhosis, and across MELD score strata.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (%).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Group Differences in Diaphragmatic Excursion Across Cirrhosis Stages
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Mean differences in diaphragmatic excursion (cm) between patients with Child-Pugh A, B, and C cirrhosis, and across MELD score strata.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (cm).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Thickness with Disease Severity
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Correlation between diaphragmatic thickness (cm) and liver disease severity scores (Child-Pugh class, MELD score).

Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction (TF) with Disease Severity
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Correlation between diaphragmatic thickening fraction (%) and liver disease severity scores (Child-Pugh class, MELD score).

Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Excursion (DE) with Disease Severity
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Correlation between diaphragmatic excursion (cm) and liver disease severity scores (Child-Pugh class, MELD score).

Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Sekundäre Ergebnismessungen

Ergebnis Maßnahme
Maßnahmenbeschreibung
Zeitfenster
Correlation between diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters and skeletal muscle index (CT scans)
Zeitfenster: At baseline (single measurement)
In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, triphasic CT scans will be analyzed to calculate skeletal muscle index. These values will be correlated with diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters to assess the utility of ultrasound as a surrogate marker of sarcopenia.
At baseline (single measurement)
Change in Diaphragmatic Thickness After Paracentesis
Zeitfenster: Pre-paracentesis (Day 1, immediately before procedure) and within 60 minutes post-paracentesis.

Change in diaphragmatic thickness (cm) measured by B-mode ultrasound before and within 60 ± 15 minutes after large-volume paracentesis.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (cm).

Pre-paracentesis (Day 1, immediately before procedure) and within 60 minutes post-paracentesis.
Change in Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction After Paracentesis
Zeitfenster: Pre-paracentesis (Day 1, immediately before procedure) and within 60 minutes post-paracentesis.

Change in diaphragmatic thickening fraction (%) measured by B-mode ultrasound before and within 60 ± 15 minutes after large-volume paracentesis.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (%).

Pre-paracentesis (Day 1, immediately before procedure) and within 60 minutes post-paracentesis.
Change in Diaphragmatic Excursion After Paracentesis
Zeitfenster: Pre-paracentesis (Day 1, immediately before procedure) and within 60 minutes post-paracentesis.

Change in diaphragmatic excursion (cm) measured by M-mode ultrasound before and within 60 ± 15 minutes after large-volume paracentesis.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (cm).

Pre-paracentesis (Day 1, immediately before procedure) and within 60 minutes post-paracentesis.
Diaphragmatic Thickness in Patients With vs. Without Hepatic Hydrothorax
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Comparison of mean diaphragmatic thickness (cm) between cirrhotic patients with hepatic hydrothorax and matched cirrhotic controls without hydrothorax.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (cm).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction in Patients With vs. Without Hepatic Hydrothorax
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Comparison of mean diaphragmatic thickening fraction (%) between cirrhotic patients with hepatic hydrothorax and matched cirrhotic controls without hydrothorax.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (%).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic Excursion in Patients With vs. Without Hepatic Hydrothorax
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Comparison of mean diaphragmatic excursion (cm) between cirrhotic patients with hepatic hydrothorax and matched cirrhotic controls without hydrothorax.

Unit of Measure: Mean difference (cm).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction with Dyspnea Score
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Correlation between diaphragmatic dysfunction (defined by ultrasound parameters) and dyspnea severity measured by the mMRC scale (0-4).

Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction with Respiratory Rate
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Correlation between diaphragmatic dysfunction and respiratory rate (breaths/min).

Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction with Oxygen Saturation
Zeitfenster: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).

Correlation between diaphragmatic dysfunction and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂, %).

Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).

Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction with Length of Hospital Stay
Zeitfenster: During hospitalization (up to 30 days).
Correlation between diaphragmatic dysfunction (defined by ultrasound parameters: thickness, thickening fraction, excursion) and length of hospital stay (days). Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (r).
During hospitalization (up to 30 days).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction with ICU Admission
Zeitfenster: During hospitalization (up to 30 days).
Correlation between diaphragmatic dysfunction and need for ICU admission. Unit of Measure: Odds ratio (% of patients requiring ICU admission).
During hospitalization (up to 30 days).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction with In-Hospital Complications
Zeitfenster: During hospitalization (up to 30 days).
Correlation between diaphragmatic dysfunction and occurrence of complications (e.g., respiratory failure, infection). Unit of Measure: Incidence (% of patients with complications).
During hospitalization (up to 30 days).

Mitarbeiter und Ermittler

Hier finden Sie Personen und Organisationen, die an dieser Studie beteiligt sind.

Sponsor

Ermittler

  • Hauptermittler: Ahmed Helmy Salem, professor, Assiut University
  • Hauptermittler: Maiada Kamal Eldeen Hashem, Assiut University

Publikationen und hilfreiche Links

Die Bereitstellung dieser Publikationen erfolgt freiwillig durch die für die Eingabe von Informationen über die Studie verantwortliche Person. Diese können sich auf alles beziehen, was mit dem Studium zu tun hat.

Allgemeine Veröffentlichungen

Studienaufzeichnungsdaten

Diese Daten verfolgen den Fortschritt der Übermittlung von Studienaufzeichnungen und zusammenfassenden Ergebnissen an ClinicalTrials.gov. Studienaufzeichnungen und gemeldete Ergebnisse werden von der National Library of Medicine (NLM) überprüft, um sicherzustellen, dass sie bestimmten Qualitätskontrollstandards entsprechen, bevor sie auf der öffentlichen Website veröffentlicht werden.

Haupttermine studieren

Studienbeginn (Geschätzt)

10. August 2026

Primärer Abschluss (Geschätzt)

10. August 2027

Studienabschluss (Geschätzt)

10. Dezember 2027

Studienanmeldedaten

Zuerst eingereicht

16. Juni 2026

Zuerst eingereicht, das die QC-Kriterien erfüllt hat

19. Juni 2026

Zuerst gepostet (Tatsächlich)

25. Juni 2026

Studienaufzeichnungsaktualisierungen

Letztes Update gepostet (Tatsächlich)

25. Juni 2026

Letztes eingereichtes Update, das die QC-Kriterien erfüllt

19. Juni 2026

Zuletzt verifiziert

1. Juni 2026

Mehr Informationen

Begriffe im Zusammenhang mit dieser Studie

Andere Studien-ID-Nummern

  • DiaphragmCirrhosis_AU26

Arzneimittel- und Geräteinformationen, Studienunterlagen

Studiert ein von der US-amerikanischen FDA reguliertes Arzneimittelprodukt

Nein

Studiert ein von der US-amerikanischen FDA reguliertes Geräteprodukt

Nein

Diese Informationen wurden ohne Änderungen direkt von der Website clinicaltrials.gov abgerufen. Wenn Sie Ihre Studiendaten ändern, entfernen oder aktualisieren möchten, wenden Sie sich bitte an register@clinicaltrials.gov. Sobald eine Änderung auf clinicaltrials.gov implementiert wird, wird diese automatisch auch auf unserer Website aktualisiert .