Liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and viral hepatitis have the potential to progress to cirrhosis and finally hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases is important since progression is likely and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, in daily clinical practice no specific and non-invasive biomarkers are used for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with liver diseases. It is known that patients with liver diseases produce compounds that can be excreted in breath as a consequence of metabolic processes, inflammation and/or oxidative stress. These are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Analysis of VOCs in exhaled air has been reported to provide valuable information in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Also, in patients with liver disease, exhaled VOCs have been detected. The investigators hypothesize that analysis of VOCs in exhaled air of patients with liver diseases can be used for diagnosis and follow-up.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
160
Maastricht University Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
To establish the validity of VOC analysis in exhaled air to discriminate between liver diseases and non-diseased controls
Time frame: 12 months
To compare the VOC profiles in exhaled air between various liver diseases
Time frame: 12 months
To compare the VOC analysis before, during and after therapeutic interventions in various liver diseases
Time frame: 12 months
To compare VOC profiles with systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress markers
Time frame: 12 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.