Recruiting

Can we safely stop blood pressure medications in liver cirrhosis patients?

Plain-English translation of NCT06549673 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This study is investigating whether non-selective beta-blockers—medications commonly prescribed to prevent dangerous bleeding in patients with cirrhosis—can be safely stopped in people whose liver disease is well-controlled. Researchers want to see if patients with cirrhosis who have successfully treated their underlying liver condition and show signs of stable disease can discontinue these medications without harm.

Non-selective beta-blockers help prevent life-threatening complications in cirrhosis, but patients may not need them forever, especially if their liver disease has been successfully treated. This trial aims to determine whether stopping the medication is safe in select patients, which could reduce long-term medication burden and side effects.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with cirrhosis (confirmed by imaging or clinical features)
you have a history of varices, variceal bleeding, or portal hypertension that required beta-blocker treatment
the underlying cause of your liver disease has been controlled (such as cured hepatitis C, suppressed hepatitis B, or long-term alcohol abstinence)
your liver stiffness measurement is below 25 kPa on a non-invasive ultrasound test

You likely don't qualify if…

you have active liver disease that has not been treated (such as untreated autoimmune or hereditary liver disease, unless you also have fatty liver)
you have had liver decompensation within the past year (signs like severe jaundice, bleeding, fluid buildup, or confusion)
you have a history of liver cancer or current cancer diagnosis (unless in remission for more than 5 years)
you have blood clots in your portal vein or have had a liver transplant
you are taking beta-blockers for other medical reasons like heart disease or high blood pressure unrelated to liver disease

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will be monitored to see whether stopping your non-selective beta-blocker medication is safe for you. This will likely involve regular blood tests, ultrasound measurements of your liver stiffness, and possibly upper endoscopy (a camera test to look for bleeding vessels in your esophagus) to confirm you remain stable. The study is observational, meaning researchers will track your health over time rather than giving you a new medication to test.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Can we safely stop blood pressure medications in liver cirrhosis patients?

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(8 sites)