Multicentre Cohort Study in Alcoholic Hepatitis (MICAH)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multicentre Cohort Study in Alcoholic Hepatitis (MICAH)
IRAS ID
258447
Contact name
Mark Thursz
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN24883155
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Alcohol consumption causes a spectrum of liver abnormalities and leads to over 2 million deaths per year. Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a form of alcoholic liver disease characterised by liver failure in the context of recent and heavy alcohol
consumption. The condition carries a high fatality risk: patients with severe AH have a 30% mortality rate 90 days after presenting with the condition and moderate AH carries a mortality rate of 6-10% at 90 days.
Currently liver biopsy is used to diagnose alcoholic hepatitis and remains difficult to predict the course of the disease and how to select the best treatment.The purpose of this study is to investigate how we can reduce mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. We will be collecting samples and data from patients with AH and acute decompensation of cirrhosis (DC). These samples and data will be used to investigate whether a blood test can diagnose AH and so avoid the need for liver biopsy. It will also study tests to predict disease outcome, infection and kidney damage.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0829
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion