Heart Problems in Children With Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease (CLD) in children can sometimes lead to complications in other parts of the body, including the heart. The primary purpose of this observational study is to assess the presence and type of cardiac problems in children who have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease.

Researchers will observe children under the age of 18 who are receiving care at the gastroenterology and hepatology unit at Assiut University Children Hospital. Participants will undergo standard medical evaluations to check both their liver and heart health.

These evaluations include:

* A detailed medical history and thorough physical examination * Routine blood tests to check liver function, kidney function, coagulation, and electrolytes * Abdominal imaging, such as an ultrasound, to look at the liver. * An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart's electrical activity and rhythm, including measuring the QTc interval. * An echocardiogram to look at the structure of the heart and check how well its chambers and valves are functioning.

The study aims to identify specific heart conditions that can be associated with severe liver disease, such as portopulmonary hypertension, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (changes in the heart muscle's function), and electrical repolarization abnormalities. Children who already have known congenital heart disease or a history of other heart problems will not be included in the study.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) Cardiac Abnormalities Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Digestive System Diseases Fibrosis Liver Cirrhosis Liver Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Portopulmonary Hypertension

Age range

Up to 17 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

About this study

Chronic liver disease (CLD) in the pediatric age group involves progressive destruction and regeneration of liver parenchyma. The etiology in children encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders, including infections, autoimmune hepatitis, viral hepatitis, Wilson's disease, and biliary atresia. Prognosis and treatment are heavily influenced by the underlying etiology, necessitating thorough clinicopathological evaluation.

Among the severe reported complications of CLD, such as portal hypertension, malnutrition, and hepatorenal syndrome, cardiac complications are highly significant. This study specifically investigates the following cardiac issues:

Portopulmonary hypertension: Defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure >25 mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure <15 mmHg, often presenting with dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, or chest pain. It is thought to be triggered by increased pulmonary blood flow secondary to portal hypertension, which leads to vascular injury and remodeling.
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: A hemodynamic consequence of portal hypertension characterized by systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, and electrophysiological disturbances. The underlying mechanism involves myocardial wall stiffness resulting from fibrosis and subendothelial edema.
Cardiac repolarization abnormalities: Prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval is the most common finding, with its prevalence increasing in parallel with the severity of cirrhosis. Up to 60% of patients with end-stage liver disease exhibit an abnormal QTc.

This descriptive cohort study aims to systematically assess these cardiac outcomes across different liver disease groups. Data collection involves comprehensive clinical histories, including age at onset, disease type semiology, and detailed physical examinations covering general, abdominal, cardiac, neurological, and chest assessments.

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

All patients below 18 years who diagnosed with chronic liver disease.

Exclusion criteria

All patients known to have congenital heart disease or previous cardiac disease.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Corrected QT (QTc) Interval

Time frame: Baseline (at study enrollment)

The corrected QT (QTc) interval will be measured using an electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate for cardiac repolarization abnormalities.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Assiut University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Assessment of Cardiac Problems in Children With Chronic Liver Disease

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Mar 30, 2026
Registry last updated: Mar 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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