Testing LiverWatch, a Home-Based Remote-Monitoring Intervention for Advanced Liver Disease

Last updated: July 29, 2025
Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Sarcopenia

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Hepatic Fibrosis

Treatment

LiverWatch Intervention

Clinical Study ID

NCT06136221
844700
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Remote healthcare monitoring for cirrhosis has shown promise in overcoming barriers to accessing specialty care, improving healthcare quality, and reducing mortality. The LiverWatch study is investigating whether a remote nutrition, physical activity, and education intervention can improve health outcomes in those with cirrhosis. In this clinical trial, individuals will be randomized to either enhanced usual care or the LiverWatch intervention. Both groups are given fitbits and asked to increase their step counts. Those in the Liverwatch group will be incentivized for increase their physical activity while also undergoing a personalized nutrition intervention and weekly symptom monitoring and cirrhosis education.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • English speaking

  • Aged 18 years or older

  • Home-dwelling

  • Diagnosis of cirrhosis- Child Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) B or C or a complication in thepast 6 months (CTP B or higher, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, fluidoverload, liver-related hospitalization, or requiring symptom management withdiuretics, non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, nonselective beta blockers)

  • Patient and/or caregiver is able and willing to receive SMS text messages

  • Willing and able to wear personal fitness trackers and engage with study staff

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • No access to a smartphone

  • Non-home dwelling

  • On hospice care

  • Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥30

  • Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, BCLC C or higher

  • Hospitalization within the last 30 days

  • Deemed not appropriate by treating physician for medical reasons

  • Enrolled in other dietary or physical activity interventions

  • Receiving physical therapy as standard of care

Study Design

Total Participants: 110
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: LiverWatch Intervention
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
May 31, 2026

Study Description

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic condition with a high symptom burden, morbidity, mortality and costs. Common symptoms and reasons for hospitalizations in cirrhosis are 'fluid overload' (e.g. abdominal and leg swelling), hepatic encephalopathy (episodic cognitive impairment), physical frailty, and infections. Pilot and feasibility data show that many of these complications may be managed remotely with patient and caregiver-directed text-messaging platforms, online portals, and frequent telephone check-ins with the clinical team. This approach can help reduce unnecessary urgent visits and hospitalizations. Malnutrition is present among an estimated 60% of patients with advanced cirrhosis, and is associated with frailty, loss of muscle mass, and hepatic encephalopathy, leading to a greater likelihood of hospitalization and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Studies show that HRQoL may improve with targeted nutritional management, yet personalized nutritional interventions are not routinely incorporated into many telehealth and remote monitoring approaches for cirrhosis. To be effective, telehealth and remote monitoring interventions must be patient-centered, feasible, acceptable, and sustainable.

The LiverWatch study is investigating whether an intervention aimed at improving physical health and wellness as well as monitor for symptoms in those with cirrhosis is an effective strategy to improve patient-centered outcomes. This study compares enhanced usual care of those with cirrhosis versus an intervention that includes a dietitian consultation, educational messages, and a step rewards program. LiverWatch leverages the use of electronic health records and Way To Health (W2H) text messages to explore its aims. LiverWatch is a 2-arm, patient-randomized controlled trial at the University of Pennsylvania. A total of 110 patients with cirrhosis aged 18 or older (n=55 per arm) will be recruited and randomized to intervention versus enhanced usual care for 12 weeks with a 12 week follow-up period. Study visits will occur at Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12. Clinical outcomes will be measured from the electronic medical record (EMR) at Week 24. The LiverWatch intervention includes:

  • Modifiable walking goals with the use of W2H and a fitbit.

  • Cirrhosis, nutrition, and fitness education sent weekly via text message

  • A one-one baseline visit with a registered dietitian to discuss healthy eating habits and set up individualized goals

  • Remote symptom monitoring conducted via text message

The primary objective of the study is to test the effectiveness of LiverWatch. The secondary objective is to explore barriers to and facilitators of optimal implementation and scalability of LiverWatch among patients, caregivers, clinicians, and health-system administrators.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.