Apixaban-PK Trial: Preventing Portal Hypertension Complications in Cirrhosis

The APIXABAN-PK trial is a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apixaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, in combination with carvedilol compared to carvedilol alone (with placebo) for preventing portal hypertension-related complications in patients with cirrhosis.

Patients with confirmed cirrhosis and evidence of portal hypertension (Child-Pugh B 7-10) are eligible. Participants undergo screening, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within six months prior to enrollment. Those with high-risk varices receive endoscopic variceal band ligation to obliteration before randomization to ensure baseline safety.

Eligible participants are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups:

Intervention Group: Apixaban 2.5 mg orally twice daily plus carvedilol (titrated according to a protocol-defined schedule).

Control Group: Placebo (matching apixaban) orally twice daily plus carvedilol (titrated according to the same schedule).

Carvedilol is initiated at 6.25 mg once daily and titrated every 2-4 weeks based on heart rate and blood pressure, aiming for a maintenance dose of 12.5 mg twice daily, as tolerated. Dose adjustments are made for hypotension or bradycardia.

All participants are followed for 12 months. Study visits occur at baseline, 2 weeks (safety telephone call), and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Assessments include vital signs, laboratory tests (complete blood count, liver and renal function, international normalized ratio), and imaging (abdominal ultrasound with Doppler and transient elastography at specified intervals). Adherence is monitored via pill counts and patient diaries.

The primary outcome is the first occurrence of portal hypertension-related complications (variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, portal vein thrombosis, or liver-related death) within 12 months. Secondary outcomes include bleeding events (major and minor), time to first decompensation or hospitalization, all-cause and liver-related mortality, and changes in non-invasive markers of portal hypertension (e.g., liver stiffness, platelet count).

Safety is closely monitored through routine assessments and an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). The DSMB reviews unblinded safety data after 50% of participants have completed 6 months of follow-up, with predefined stopping rules for excessive bleeding or mortality. Adverse events are graded using CTCAE v6.0 criteria.

Statistical analysis will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary endpoint (time to first complication) will be analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression. The study aims to enroll 220 participants to account for anticipated dropout, with 100 participants per arm required to detect a 50% relative risk reduction in the primary outcome (two-sided α = 0.05, power = 80%). Enrollment is planned over 12 months, with a total study duration of 24 months.

This investigator-initiated trial is sponsored by the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Results will be submitted for publication within 12 months of study completion, regardless of outcome, in accordance with ICMJE guidelines.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged ≥18 years with diagnosed cirrhosis (any etiology), confirmed by histology, transient elastography (≥12.5 kPa), or consistent clinical/imaging findings.
• Evidence of portal hypertension, defined by:

Clinical: presence of varices on endoscopy, ascites, or splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia.

• Compensated or early decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B 7-10), with stable liver function defined as no change in Child-Pugh score >1 point in the preceding 3 months.
• Screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) performed within 6 months prior to enrollment. Patients with high-risk varices (large varices, red wale signs, or history of variceal bleeding) must undergo endoscopic variceal band ligation to obliteration before randomization.
• Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Active gastrointestinal bleeding within 6 weeks prior to enrollment.
• High bleeding risk:

• Platelet count <50,000/µL at baseline
• INR >1.8 (or >2.0 if secondary to cirrhosis without additional coagulopathy)
• Active peptic ulcer disease
• History of intracranial hemorrhage or hemorrhagic stroke
• Known bleeding diathesis
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) or on dialysis.
• Child-Pugh class C or Child-Pugh score ≥10.
• History of hypersensitivity to apixaban or carvedilol.
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or unwillingness to use effective contraception during the study period.
• Concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy (including aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, or other DOACs) that cannot be safely discontinued. A washout period of at least 5 half-lives is required before randomization.
• Use of NSAIDs, SSRIs, or other medications that significantly increase bleeding risk, unless approved by the PI with clear risk-benefit justification.
• Active hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outside Milan criteria or with vascular invasion.
• Current or planned liver transplantation.