Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Long-term Follow-up to Determine Outcome in Liver Disease (LOVE Study)

The LOVE Study aims to understand how different types of fatty liver disease, such as MASLD, MetALD, and Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), affect people over many years. Currently, there isn't much information about the long-term health outcomes for people with these conditions. Doctors often use a liver biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of liver tissue, to predict how the disease might progress. However, biopsies can be uncomfortable and carry some risks. This study hopes to find new, non-invasive ways to check liver health, like blood tests or scans, that are just as good at predicting outcomes. By using information from people who have already been part of other liver studies, the LOVE Study wants to find better ways to identify patients at risk and help prevent liver problems from getting worse.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Universität des Saarlandes

Enrolment target

30,000

Start

15 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2035

Steatotic Liver Disease MASLD/MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease / Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis)Steatotic Liver Disease of Mixed Origin (MetALD)ALD - Alcoholic Liver Disease

What is this study about?

The LOVE Study is an important research project looking into different types of fatty liver disease, which include Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), MetALD (a mix of causes), and Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). These conditions mean there's too much fat in the liver, which can sometimes lead to serious liver damage if not managed. While doctors know these conditions are common, they don't have enough information about how they affect people's health over many years.

Currently, to understand how well a person's liver is doing and to predict how their fatty liver disease might progress, doctors often rely on a liver biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of liver tissue is taken out and examined. While useful, it's an invasive procedure. The main goal of the LOVE Study is to find easier and less invasive ways to check liver health. They want to see if blood tests or special scans, which are much simpler than a biopsy, can accurately tell how a person's liver disease is developing.

By following people who have already participated in other liver studies and have detailed health information, the researchers hope to understand the long-term effects of these liver conditions. This knowledge could help doctors better identify people who are at risk, offer earlier support, and potentially develop more effective ways to prevent serious liver problems from occurring in the future. Ultimately, the study aims to improve how fatty liver disease is diagnosed and treated.

Key takeaways

The LOVE Study is tracking long-term health outcomes for fatty liver diseases.
It aims to find simpler, non-invasive ways to check liver health.
The study focuses on MASLD, MetALD, and Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD).
You must have already participated in a previous liver study to join.
No new medicines are given; it involves ongoing health monitoring.
The goal is to improve diagnosis and prevention of serious liver problems.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of the LOVE Study, you would have already given your consent to participate in earlier liver health studies. You also need to be 18 years old or older and have a confirmed diagnosis of certain types of fatty liver disease, specifically MASLD, MetALD, or Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD).

If you haven't previously agreed to take part in related cohort studies, or if you are under 18 years of age, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study. Similarly, if you don't have a diagnosis of MASLD, MetALD, or ALD, you wouldn't be eligible.

Quick self-check

Have I already taken part in previous liver health studies and given my consent?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Have I been diagnosed with MASLD, MetALD, or Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This study is a long-term follow-up for people who have already been part of previous liver studies. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study. Your participation will involve continuing to provide information about your health and having your liver health checked regularly over several years. This might include follow-up appointments, blood tests, and possibly scans. The researchers will use the information from these ongoing assessments, combined with your past health data, to track how your liver condition changes over time. The total duration of your participation will depend on the study's plan for long-term monitoring.

Potential risks and benefits

As this is a follow-up study based on existing health information and ongoing monitoring, the risks associated with taking part are likely minimal, mainly related to standard medical check-ups like blood tests. The potential benefits include contributing to a better understanding of fatty liver diseases, which could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for many people in the future. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière
Paris, France
University Medical Center Saarland, Department of Internal Medicine II
Homburg, Germany
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin
Turin, Italy
Translational & Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease means there's too much fat building up in your liver. It can be caused by various things, including lifestyle factors or alcohol use. Sometimes it can lead to more serious liver problems.

What does 'non-invasive tests' mean?

Non-invasive tests are medical checks that don't involve instruments entering your body, like a blood test, urine sample, or an ultrasound scan. They are usually more comfortable than procedures like biopsies.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because it will help doctors understand how fatty liver diseases develop over many years. This knowledge could lead to earlier diagnosis, better ways to track the disease, and new treatments.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is about observing your liver health over time. You won't be given any new medicines to take as part of your participation in the LOVE Study.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

You should speak to your doctor or the research team involved in the study. They can provide you with more detailed information and answer any specific questions you have.

How to find out more

Jörn M. Schattenberg, MD

gastroenterologie@uks.eu +49684116 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.