NAFLD in acquired hypothalamic insufficiency (HI-NAFLD)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with childhood-acquired hypothalamic insufficiency
IRAS ID
229885
Contact name
David Dunger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study hopes to identify why fatty liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) develops in children who have a particular form of brain surgery or radiotherapy. This brain surgery is done to treat tumours but affects part of the brain that controls hormones, energy, and appetite, leaving children with hypothalamic insufficiency (HI). It has been noticed that children with HI develop particularly severe fatty liver, but it is not known why.
The study will be in 2 phases. First phase: we will invite patients with HI who had surgery (or radiotherapy) 2-10 years ago to come for a blood test and liver ultrasound. This will allow us to determine if they do or don't have fatty liver. For phase 2, some of the participants from phase 1 will be invited to come back for further tests. This will involve blood tests, heart tracing and a measurement of how much fat their liver makes, which requires drinking heavy water and staying in hospital overnight. We will also ask some patients who have fatty liver, but have not had brain surgery, to have the same tests done, for comparison. If we find evidence of severe fatty liver in patients, then they will be referred to the appropriate NHS hepatology service. This might include being offered a liver biopsy, if determined to be clinically necessary.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0139
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion