Understanding how portal hypertension develops without cirrhosis

This is a natural history study—meaning researchers are watching and learning how a condition develops over time rather than testing a new treatment. You would be part of a group of up to 400 people who either have noncirrhotic portal hypertension (high pressure in the liver's blood vessels without scarring) or are at risk for developing it due to conditions like cystic fibrosis or other genetic disorders. The study aims to understand what causes this condition, how it gets worse, and to identify early warning signs that could help doctors better monitor and care for patients.

Many people develop dangerous high blood pressure in their liver blood vessels without having cirrhosis (liver scarring), but doctors don't fully understand why this happens or how to predict who will have serious complications. This study exists to fill that knowledge gap so doctors can better track the condition, prevent dangerous complications, and make better decisions about liver transplants.