Prospective Investigation of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy in Humans
Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a recognized complication of cirrhosis, but understudied despite recent retrospective data suggesting it may be common, affecting one in three patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and associated with significantly increased risk of death and adverse hepatic and cardiac events. Moreover, evidence from preclinical models and children suggest elevated bile acids in the blood may contribute to CCM, but data from adults with cirrhosis are scarce. Therefore, we are conducting the first contemporary prospective multi-center investigation of CCM in adults in the USA to define CCM risk factors and impact on outcomes while deepening understanding of the role of bile acids in development of this disease.
• Decompensated cirrhosis, defined as cirrhosis with current or prior occurrence of one or more of the following:
‣ portal hypertension-related bleeding,
⁃ hepatic encephalopathy, and/or
⁃ clinical ascites.
• Model for End Stage Liver Disease version 3.0 (MELD 3.0) ≥ 15 or Child Pugh Class B-C
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Longitudinal follow up in either at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) or University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) hepatology clinics
• Willing to adhere to study protocol
• Able to provide written informed consent