Spleen stiffness in HIV
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Cross-Sectional Study to Investigate Spleen Stiffness via Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography in HIV-Infected patients
IRAS ID
155347
Contact name
Ruth Nicholson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
In patients with HIV disease, many factors may influence the size and texture of the liver, spleen and pressure in the portal vein system (which links the liver with the spleen). We currently use an ultrasound technique called a 'fibroscan' to assess 'stiffness' within the liver tissue which may indiciate progressive liver disease or fibrosis. No system is routinely used to examine the texture or 'stiffness' of spleens. In recent years researchers have begun to investigate the use of such techniques in the spleen and stiffness has been demonstrated in patients with raised pressure in the portal system and enlarged spleens. This technique has not yet been investigated in HIV and therefore we wish to use these scans and compare stiffness of spleen in patients with HIV versus HIV uninfected controls. We also plan to compare the spleen stiffness of a small group of patients with HIV who are known to have raised pressure in the portal system, known as 'portal hypertension'.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1749
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion