Influence of carvedilol on cirrhosis (IVOR) Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Influence of carvedilol on cirrhosis
IRAS ID
298319
Contact name
Sarah-Louise Gillespie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis) is an increasing cause of disability and death in the UK. Complications of cirrhosis occur because of increased blood pressure across the liver, known as portal hypertension. These complications include the development of dilated blood vessels in the gullet and stomach known as varices, and the development of fluid within the abdomen (ascites). When these and other complications occur, the patient is deemed to have decompensated disease. Carvedilol is a medication that is known to reduce portal hypertension and reduce the risk of varices bleeding. There is increasing evidence that carvedilol has other benefits which including reducing the risk of decompensation of liver disease, a reduction in liver cancer, and also a survival benefit. Further research is needed into the mechanisms underlying these findings to allow us to understand which patients will benefit from starting carvedilol and at what stage it should be commenced.
The main objectives of this study are to determine whether carvedilol has any effect on markers of inflammation and blood vessel dysfunction. We will study any effects on the heart and small blood vessels, and also progression of liver disease using liver and spleen stiffness.
We will identify patients with chronic liver disease who are inpatients and also from outpatient gastroenterology clinics. These patients will have been identified by their clinical team as they are due to commence carvedilol as part of normal clinical care. If they consent, participants will have bloods taken, height/weight and body fat measured, non-invasive measurement of heart function and measurement of liver and spleen stiffness using ultrasound. Some participants will also have a scan of the back of the eye (retina) to look at the small blood vessels. Participants will be asked to return for a follow up visit after 4 weeks and then 6 months.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
22/NS/0020
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion