By InvitationNot Applicable

The Regenerative Capacity of the Donor Liver After Living Donor Liver Transplantation: an Ambidirectional Cohort Study

Netherlands90 participantsStarted 2026-02-01

Plain-language summary

Rationale: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) offers a promising solution to the organ shortage. During living liver donation, a substantial portion of the donor's liver is resected. Fortunately, the liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate. However, liver regeneration varies among individuals. Previous studies have identified several clinical factors as potential predictors of regenerative capacity. Nevertheless, these studies are outdated and do not reflect current clinical practice or recent advancements. This study aims to investigate the regenerative capacity of the donor liver following LDLT and identify its clinical predictors. It is hypothesized that the liver regenerates to the original size. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the regenerative capacity of the donor liver following LDLT. The secondary objective is to identify clinical predictors of the regenerative capacity of the donor liver following LDLT. Study type: This is an ambidirectional, single-center cohort study using medical records. Study population: The population consists of adult living liver donors aged 18-60 years at the Erasmus MC who donate(d) between May 2004 and June 2026 and gave written informed consent. Methods: General, graft weight and liver volumetry data will be extracted from HiX. The study coordinator will register his findings and analyze them. The paired samples t-test will be used to test for differences in mean remnant liver volume and liver volume 12 months post-donation. In addition, subgroup analyses will be performed for sex, age, weight, type of liver graft donation, anatomical variants, liver steatosis, and donor complications. Multiple linear regression analysis will be performed for sex, age, BMI, donor length of stay, remnant liver volume and percentage, and type of liver graft donation.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria: * Living liver donation between May 2004 and June 2026 * Written informed consent In order to be eligible for LDLT, a subject needed to meet all of the following criteria: * 18-60 years old * Physical and mental well-being * Body Mass Index (BMI) \<33 kg/m2 * No active drugs or other substances use Exclusion Criteria: There are no exclusion criteria for this study. Exclusion criteria for LDLT were: Absolute exclusion criteria * Medical conditions (for instance heart disease and bleeding or clotting disorders) * History of liver disease * Previous/active malaria infection * Financial incentive or indications of pressure * Unable to cooperate with designated long-term follow-up * Severe psychiatric disease or psychological instability * Active alcoholism or frequent heavy alcohol use or drugs use/abuse * Unable to give informed consent * History of dementia or other neurological degenerative disorders * Persons with rabies or persons bitten in the past 6 months by an animal and that are treated as if the animal is rabid * Persons with syphilis * Human immunodeficiency virus-positive persons. Relative exclusion criteria * BMI \>33 kg/m2 * Smoking

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Liver regeneration

Timeframe: Preoperative during screening for living liver donation and 1 year post-donation.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07329296

SponsorErasmus Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Living Donor Liver Transplantation trials