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Dietary Supplement

Resistant Potato Starch for Liver Cirrhosis

Phase 2
Recruiting
Led By Patricia Bloom, MD
Research Sponsored by University of Michigan
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Diagnosis of cirrhosis based on liver biopsy, imaging, or evidence of clinical decompensation
History of at least one episode of overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) in the last year defined by West Haven Criteria Grades II to IV or can be precipitated Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) episode
Must not have
Current refractory ascites (requiring large volume paracentesis to manage ascites)
History of inflammatory bowel disease
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up start of screening, end of enrollment (approximately 20 months)
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is looking at how a dietary supplement made from potato starch called resistant potato starch affects the gut bacteria of people with liver conditions. Participants will take the supplement, and researchers will collect health information and

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with liver cirrhosis and overt hepatic encephalopathy, which is a decline in brain function due to severe liver disease. Participants should be willing to consume resistant potato starch and provide health information as well as stool samples for research purposes.
What is being tested?
The study is testing the effects of resistant potato starch, a dietary supplement derived from potatoes, on gut bacteria in patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. The goal is to understand how this food product influences the body's response.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects are not specified but may include digestive discomfort or changes in bowel habits due to the introduction of new dietary fiber from the resistant potato starch.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis.
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I have had a serious episode of brain dysfunction due to liver disease in the last year.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I need frequent procedures to remove fluid from my abdomen.
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I have a history of inflammatory bowel disease.
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I have been diagnosed with dementia or another cognitive disorder.
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I have a history of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~start of screening, end of enrollment (approximately 20 months)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and start of screening, end of enrollment (approximately 20 months) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in stool short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels from baseline to week 4
Secondary study objectives
Change in T-score for the PROMIS Gastrointestinal Gas and Bloating 13a scale baseline to week 4
Change in T-score for the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) gastrointestinal diarrhea 6a baseline to week 4
Change in animal naming test (ANT) from baseline to week 4
+5 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Resistant potato starchExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This will be taken for four weeks by enrolled participants.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of MichiganLead Sponsor
1,852 Previous Clinical Trials
6,432,720 Total Patients Enrolled
Patricia Bloom, MDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of Michigan
2 Previous Clinical Trials
270 Total Patients Enrolled
~13 spots leftby Mar 2026