Spleen stiffness measurement in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Tests spleen stiffness measurement, alongside routine checkups, in adults with primary biliary cholangitis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: The Value of Spleen Stiffness Measurement in Patients With PBC
Key facts
- Where
- Brussels, BelgiumSee the site
Where in Belgium
- UZ BrusselBrussels, BelgiumNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
- Trial code
- NCT07319169
- Record updated
- 1 May 2026
- Original description
Recent evidence suggests that combining liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) significantly improves risk stratification in patients with PBC. In a study the addition of spleen stiffness to liver stiffness enhanced the prediction of liver decompensation, providing a more precise evaluation of portal hypertension. Furthermore, when combined with platelet count, this approach effectively identified patients with a low probability of harboring HRVs. This could allow clinicians to safely avoid unnecessary endoscopic procedures in selected patients, improving patient comfort and reducing healthcare costs. Therefore, our patients participating in this trial will undergo follow up (every 6 months) as per Standard of care. This includes a blood draw, FibroScan and Ultrasound. Together with this, 2 questionnaires will be completed (not as per SOC) and during the FibroScan, a spleen stiffness measurement will be performed.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Value of Spleen Stiffness Measurement in Patients With PBC
Recent evidence suggests that combining liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) significantly improves risk stratification in patients with PBC. In a study the addition of spleen stiffness to liver stiffness enhanced the prediction of liver decompensation, providing a more precise evaluation of portal hypertension. Furthermore, when combined with platelet count, this approach effectively identified patients with a low probability of harboring HRVs. This could allow clinicians to safely avoid unnecessary endoscopic procedures in selected patients, improving patient comfort and reducing healthcare costs. Therefore, our patients participating in this trial will undergo follow up (every 6 months) as per Standard of care. This includes a blood draw, FibroScan and Ultrasound. Together with this, 2 questionnaires will be completed (not as per SOC) and during the FibroScan, a spleen stiffness measurement will be performed.
Inclusion: ≥18y; Out-patient, followed at the UZ Brussels; Diagnosis of PBC based on cholestasis, AMA positivity and/or biopsy; Under treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and/or bezafibrate.
Exclusion: Contra-indication for transient elastography (Fibroscan®) such as ascites or overt heart failure; <18y.