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Alpha-1 Antitrypsin DeficiencyNCT02014415

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Adult Liver Study

An observational study of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, run by St. Louis University at 3 sites in United States.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The investigators hypothesize that there is liver injury (inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis) in adults with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), which is asymptomatic, under-recognized, and undiagnosed. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
What is being tested?
Liver Biopsy (Biopsy Group Only)
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
How many people
120 participants
Where
3 sitesUnited States
Study dates
Dec 2013to Dec 2027
How long will I take part?
7 Years
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Pi-ZZ AAT deficient adults with either no previous history of liver disease, moderate-severe liver disease or post liver transplant. Biologic family members who are also Pi-ZZ and ≥ 18 years of age, will be offered enrollment into the study. The purpose of including family members is to determine if the natural history of the liver disease is consistent in a given family.

Who may be able to join

  • Adults (≥ 18 years of age), with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
  • Documented evidence Pi-ZZ phenotype or genotype
  • Both genders, all races and ethnic groups
  • Willingness to be followed for up to 5 years
  • Adults (≥ 18 years of age), with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
  • Documented evidence PI-ZZ phenotype or genotype
Show all 13Show fewer
  • Documented evidence of portal hypertension or evidence of advanced liver disease defined by Child-Pugh Class B or C (score ≥ 7), or previous liver biopsy with an Ishak Fibrosis Score ≥ 4
  • Both genders, all races and ethnic groups
  • Willingness to be followed for up to 5 years
  • Adults (≥ 18 years of age), with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
  • Pre-transplant documented evidence of PI-ZZ phenotype or genotype
  • Documented evidence of liver transplantation
  • Both genders, all races and ethnic groups

Who cannot join

  • Evidence of advanced liver disease defined by Child-Pugh Class B or C (score ≥ 7)
  • Known advanced lung disease defined as forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) < 40 % of Predicted
  • History of Organ Transplantation
  • Known congenital or metabolic liver disease (e.g.: Wilson's, glycogen storage, cystic fibrosis)or iron overload as evidenced by ≥ Grade 3 iron staining on a previous liver biopsy
  • Evidence of chronic hepatitis B (marked by the presence of HBsAg in serum) or Hepatitis C (marked by the presence of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HCV RNA in serum)
  • Vascular disorders of the liver (e.g.: cardiac sclerosis, acute or chronic Budd-Chiari, hepatoportal sclerosis, peliosis)
Show all 27Show fewer
  • Known HIV positivity
  • Diagnosis of malignancy within the last 5 years
  • Active substance abuse, that in the opinion of the study investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements
  • Concomitant severe underlying systemic illness or medical condition which in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for the study or would interfere with completion of follow-up
  • Inability to comply with the longitudinal follow-up as outlined in the protocol
  • Failure of the participant to sign informed consent or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) documents
  • Known Severe Liver Disease Group:
  • History of Organ Transplantation
  • Known congenital or metabolic liver disease (e.g.: Wilson's, glycogen storage, cystic fibrosis) and iron overload as evidenced by ≥ Grade 3 iron staining on a previous liver biopsy
  • Evidence of chronic hepatitis B (marked by the presence of HBsAg in serum) or Hepatitis C (marked by the presence of anti-HCV or HCV RNA in serum)
  • Vascular disorders of the liver (e.g.: cardiac sclerosis, acute or chronic Budd-Chiari, hepatoportal sclerosis, peliosis)
  • Known HIV positivity
  • Diagnosis of malignancy within the last 5 years which in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient's follow-up problematic or the results uninterpretable.
  • Active substance abuse, that in the opinion of the study investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements
  • Concomitant severe underlying systemic illness or medical condition which in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for the study or would interfere with completion of follow-up
  • Inability to comply with the longitudinal follow-up as outlined in the protocol
  • Failure of the participant to sign informed consent or HIPAA documents.
  • Post Liver Transplant Group
  • Active substance abuse, that in the opinion of the study investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements
  • Concomitant severe underlying systemic illness or medical condition which in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for the study or would interfere with completion of study requirements
  • Failure of the participant to sign informed consent or HIPAA documents.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country.

United States3 sites
  • Boston University School of Medicine

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02118

  • University of California

    San Diego, California, 92103

  • Saint Louis University

    St Louis, Missouri, 63104

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Adult Clinical and Genetic Linkage Study

The investigators hypothesize that there is liver injury (inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis) in adults with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), which is asymptomatic, under-recognized, and undiagnosed. In addition, the investigators believe that the genetic and environmental factors that play an important role in the development of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) liver disease, can be identified by comparing a cohort database of clinical disease information to linked biospecimen and DNA samples.

Read the detailed description

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder resulting in a low level of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). This deficiency can cause life-threatening liver disease and/or lung disease at various ages. Some patients experience life-threatening liver disease in childhood or liver cancer as adults. There is no specific treatment for AAT related liver disease. Some patients develop emphysema as young adults, while some patients remain healthy throughout their lives. Differences in the environment or in other genes may explain such inconsistency in the disease.

The primary objective of this multi-center study is to assess the natural history of individuals with Pi-ZZ AAT deficiency, identify biomarkers for the progression of liver disease and construct a database capable of linking cohort data with repository biospecimens. The secondary objective is to analyze components of the demographic, social, and family history associated with more severe liver disease.

This study will examine the natural history of liver disease by recording participant's family history, medical history, current health, laboratory test results, and medical treatment(s). Participants may complete brief research questionnaires about their physical and mental health, diet, alcohol intake, and smoke, environmental and occupational (work) exposures.

At least 120 Pi-ZZ AAT deficient adults with no previous history of liver disease, moderate-severe liver disease, or post liver transplant, will be enrolled at one of three sites. Eligible subjects will participate in one of the following study arms:

  1. Liver Biopsy
  2. Known Severe Liver Disease - subjects not meeting Biopsy Group eligibility due to the presence of advanced liver disease
  3. Post Liver Transplant - subjects who have previously undergone a liver transplant

At the time of enrollment, each participant will be assigned a unique study identification (ID) number. All participant information recorded and samples collected for the study will be saved by this unique number. All blood, tissue and genetic samples collected will be sent to a secured repository for future retrieval and study. The process of coding data and samples lessens the chances of a breach in confidentiality.

The length of study participation, tests and activities performed specifically for research will be determined by the enrollment group. Subjects in the Biopsy and Known Severe Liver Disease groups participate in the study for 5 years (enrollment and four annual follow-up visits). Both groups undergo a physical exam, diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, pulmonary function testing and the collection of serum, plasma and blood for routine laboratory and genetic testing (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells), microRNA and DNA). However, only the Biopsy Group participants undergo a liver biopsy and FibroScan at enrollment, and again in Year 5. The liver tissue samples will help the researchers learn what causes liver disease in some patients and how the liver disease progresses.

Subjects in the Post Liver Transplant group have a single study visit to record their history, complete questionnaires and perform pulmonary function testing. In addition, whole blood for DNA analysis will be collected from these participants.

Based on their study arm assignment, participants will receive copies of their diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, pulmonary function test, routine laboratory test and liver biopsy pathology results, to share with their primary care physician.

Upon completion of the 5-year study, two cross-sectional visits were added to the Biopsy Group and Known Severe Liver Disease Group. The cross-sectional visit will be completed by phone and review of medical records.

Being tested
Liver Biopsy (Biopsy Group Only)
Keywords
Alpha-1, AAT Deficiency, AATD, Liver, Fibrosis, Liver Transplant, Cirrhosis
Medical subject headings
alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, Fibrosis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Liver Biopsy (Biopsy Group Only)Procedure or surgery

    A percutaneous (needle) liver biopsy will be performed on subjects in the Liver Biopsy Group, in Year 1 and Year 5 of the study.

Study groups in NCT02014415
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Liver BiopsyParticipants will provide liver tissue specimens collected at the time of liver biopsy, to determine the rate of progression of liver injury in adults with Pi-ZZ Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
Receives: Procedure: Liver Biopsy (Biopsy Group Only)
Known Severe Liver DiseaseParticipants will provide samples of serum, plasma, and DNA at defined time points to determine what genetic and environmental modifiers and biomarkers are associated with severe clinical liver disease, such cirrhosis, portal hypertension and liver failure in adults with Pi-ZZ Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
Post Liver TransplantParticipants will provide a DNA sample to determine what genetic and environmental modifiers are associated with the need for liver transplantation in adults with Pi-ZZ Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The risk and rate of histologic liver injury progression, as measured by liver biopsy, over a 5-year period.

    Measured: Liver biopsy performed in Year 1 and Year 5

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Calculated Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (MELD)

    Measured: Calculated at baseline and annually through year 5

  2. Liver synthetic dysfunction defined by international normalized ratio (INR) > 1.3 or serum albumin < 3.2 gm/dL

    Measured: Measured at baseline and annually through year 5

  3. Presence of ascites (or treatment for ascites)

    Measured: Assessed at baseline and annually through year 5

  4. Development of complications of portal hypertension (e.g., variceal hemorrhage)

    Measured: Assessed at baseline and annually through year 5

  5. Jaundice (total serum bilirubin >2.0 mg/dl)

    Measured: Measured at baseline and annually through year 5

  6. Liver transplantation

    Measured: Assessed annually through year 5

  7. Listing for liver transplantation

    Measured: Assessed at baseline and annually through year 5

  8. Health related quality of life

    Measured: Measured at baseline and annually through year 5

  9. FEV1 % of Predicted

    Measured: Collected at baseline and annually through year 5

  10. Death

    Measured: Collected annually through year 5

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Dec 2013 (estimated)
  2. Study startDec 2013
  3. Primary completionDec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
120 participants (estimated)
Target duration
7 Years
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02014415
Sponsor's protocol ID
A1F-SLU-7113
Other IDs
Alpha-1 Foundation, 22609
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
12 Dec 2013
Last updated
27 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
Individual data sharing
Yes: Based on study group assignment, participants will be given a copy of their test results as follows: Liver Biopsy Group- liver biopsy pathology, diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, pulmonary function testing, and routine clinical laboratory testing. Known Severe Liver Disease Group- diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, pulmonary function testing, and routine clinical laboratory testing. Post Liver Transplant Group- pulmonary function testing.

Publications

  • Suri A, Zhang Z, Neuschwander-Tetri B, Lomas DA, Heyer-Chauhan N, Burling K, Loomba R, Brenner DA, Nagy R, Wilson A, Carpenter D, Blomenkamp K, Teckman J. Fibrosis, biomarkers and liver biopsy in AAT deficiency and relation to liver Z protein polymer accumulation. Liver Int. 2024 Dec;44(12):3204-3213. doi: 10.1111/liv.16094. Epub 2024 Sep 12.

    PubMed 39263815

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, run by St. Louis University at 3 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 13 inclusion and 27 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The risk and rate of histologic liver injury progression, as measured by liver biopsy, over a 5-year period. (time frame: Liver biopsy performed in Year 1 and Year 5). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02014415, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Apr 2026.

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