Our Studies
RESCU Trial
LCN RESCU Trial is designed to understand if rosuvastatin is safe and has any positive effect in patients living with liver cirrhosis. Your participation is crucial to help us understand more about this. Rosuvastatin is a medication, commonly known as a statin. Statins are already FDA approved for the treatment of high cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular events. Statins offer promise as a therapy to prevent complications of cirrhosis. For this study we are recruiting adults who are 18 years or older with cirrhosis. We are looking for 250 people with cirrhosis to join this study happening at clinics across the country. If you join, you will be in the study for a total of 2 years. After enrollment, study visits are every 12 weeks and include questionnaires, physical exams, non-invasive imaging, and sample collection.
LCN Cohort Study
LCN Cohort Study is an observational study designed to better understand what causes people with cirrhosis to get sick and develop complications. Cirrhosis is a leading cause of disability and death and is becoming more common every year; we hope this study will improve our understanding of how we can keep people with cirrhosis healthier longer.
For this study we are recruiting adults who are 18 years old or older with cirrhosis. We are looking for 1,200 people with cirrhosis to join this study happening at clinics across the country. If you join, you will be in the study for a total of 3 years. Enrolled participants will have study visits every 6 months (180 days), with the option to complete some parts of the study through telehealth visits or remotely.
The visits will include questionnaires, physical exams, non-invasive imaging, and sample collection.
Eligibility Criteria
You might be eligible if:
- You are living with cirrhosis
- You are at least 18 years of age
- You are willing to provide samples at your first visit
FAQs
How do I sign up for an LCN study?
Fill out this form to be put in touch with our study team, who can tell you more.
Who will I be seeing for my study appointments? Will it be my regular liver doctor?
You will not be seeing your regular liver doctor during study visits. You will see a member of the research study team.
Does it cost anything?
No. Joining this study is at no cost to you.
Will I be paid for my time?
Yes. You will be paid for your time if you decide to participate. Payments will be given at each study visit.
Will I be charged for any testing or visits done as part of the study?
No, all costs for any tests or visits performed as part of the study will be covered by the study.
Where can I get more information about liver cirrhosis?
Here’s a link to some more resources: Learn more about liver cirrhosis.
Learn more about Imaging
What is Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE)?
Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is a special ultrasound machine that uses sound waves to check the health of your liver. It is a simple, painless non-invasive test. It is called non-invasive as nothing enters your body. TE has allowed doctors to learn more about the liver without needing a liver biopsy to check on scarring or fat in the organs.
How does it work?
VCTE sends pulse of energy to your liver or spleen and provides important information for your organs’ health including fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fat).
You may feel a slight vibration from the probe, but it is a painless procedure. Each examination typically takes 10-15 minutes.
You will be asked to lie on your back with right arm above your head.
What do I need to do?
Please do not eat or drink anything for at least three hours before your scan. If you need to, you can have small sips of clear fluid, but please try and avoid drinking large amounts of fluid. You should continue to take any prescribed medication as usual. Please wear loose clothing as we need access to the right side of your abdomen (belly).
Pacemakers or other devices
Let us know if you have any types of metal or implanted devices in your body.
VCTE has been approved in people who have pacemakers.
What is Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)?
How does it work?
MRI takes images of the inside of the body using a large magnet and computer technology. You will be asked to hold your breath for about 15 seconds while the images are acquired. During the scan, you will lie on a motorized table in a tube that is open on both ends. The scan can be noisy, so you will be given earplugs or headphones.
What do I need to do?
There are very few risks known to be associated with MRE scans.
MREs may cause anxiety or claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) due to the loud banging made by the machine and the confined space of the testing area. MRE exams may cause discomfort from the vibrations or from having to lie still on your back.
