Nottingham Community Liver Biomarkers Cohort
This study, called the Nottingham Community Liver Biomarkers Cohort, aims to find better ways to spot liver disease early, especially before serious scarring (cirrhosis) develops. Liver disease is a growing problem in the UK, often linked to lifestyle factors like too much alcohol, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Current routine blood tests often miss early liver problems. Researchers are inviting adults in Nottingham who have these risk factors to take part. This involves a simple blood test, and if needed, a special scan called a Fibroscan. They want to see if these newer tests can accurately identify liver disease at earlier stages and if knowing about their liver health encourages people to make healthier lifestyle choices. The study will follow participants over time to see how their liver health progresses.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Liver disease is becoming a serious health concern in the UK, and it's now a leading cause of early deaths. Many cases of liver disease are linked to our lifestyles, such as drinking too much alcohol, being overweight or obese, and having type 2 diabetes. The good news is that if liver problems are caught early, before serious scarring (called cirrhosis) develops, they can often be reversed by making changes to our daily habits.
Currently, the usual blood tests for liver health aren't always very good at picking up early problems. This means that many people have liver disease without even knowing it until it's quite advanced. This study is testing new types of blood tests and a special scan called a Fibroscan. These tests are better at finding liver disease and scarring at an earlier stage. The researchers want to see if using these newer tests in local GP surgeries can help find more people with early liver disease and provide them with support.
If you take part, you'll have some basic blood tests. If these initial tests suggest there might be a problem, you might then have a Fibroscan, which is a painless scan that measures the stiffness of your liver, indicating how much scarring there is. A liver specialist may then review your results. The study will follow people over a long time to see how their liver health changes and to understand if knowing about their liver condition encourages them to make healthy changes, like cutting down on alcohol or losing weight. This information will help improve how liver disease is found and managed in the future.
Key takeaways
- Aims to find liver disease earlier using new blood tests and scans.
- Targets people with common risk factors like heavy alcohol use, obesity, or type 2 diabetes.
- Participation involves routine blood tests and potentially a Fibroscan.
- You won't take new medicines or attend frequent extra appointments.
- Helps understand if early detection encourages healthier lifestyle choices.
- Your health will be followed long-term to track liver and heart health outcomes.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are an adult, aged 18 or over.
To be eligible, you need to have one of the main risk factors for liver disease. This includes if you drink moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol (more than 14 units per week for women, or more than 21 units per week for men), if you have type 2 diabetes, or if you are obese. You also might be eligible if you've had consistently elevated liver enzyme levels in previous blood tests but haven't been diagnosed with a specific liver condition.
However, you cannot join the study if you currently have cancer, are unable to give your agreement to participate, or if you have already been diagnosed with a specific liver disease (confirmed by a biopsy) before the study began.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week (women) or 21 units (men)?
- Do you have type 2 diabetes?
- Do you have a diagnosis of obesity?
- Have you had consistently high liver enzyme levels in past blood tests?
- Do you currently have cancer or a previously confirmed specific liver disease (by biopsy)?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, it's important to know that you won't be asked to do anything special or attend extra study visits beyond your normal medical care, unless it's for one of the specific tests mentioned. Your usual doctor's appointments and any care you receive for your liver or other health conditions will continue as normal.
Participation generally involves providing a blood sample for testing (which includes standard liver tests and samples for future research) and potentially undergoing a Fibroscan. A Fibroscan is a quick, non-invasive scan that checks your liver's stiffness. A small number of participants (around 30) may also be asked to have a qualitative interview to talk about their experiences and lifestyle changes. The study plans to enrol participants over four years and then follow their health over a much longer period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research UnitNottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a Fibroscan?
A Fibroscan is a quick and painless scan that uses sound waves to measure the stiffness of your liver. It helps your doctor check for any scarring or damage in your liver.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on using blood tests and a special scan to detect liver problems.
How long will I be involved in the study?
The study aims to recruit people over a four-year period, and your health will be followed for a much longer time to see how your liver health and overall health changes.
Do I need to visit the hospital often?
No, this study is based in local GP practices and aims for minimal disruption. You won't have to make special visits to the hospital for the study unless specific tests are required, which would be discussed with you.
What if I change my mind about participating?
You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. Your decision will not affect your routine medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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