The goal of this observational study is to learn how liver cirrhosis affects the diaphragm, the main muscle used for breathing, in adults. The study will measure diaphragmatic thickness, thickening fraction, and excursion using bedside ultrasound and compare these values between patients with cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do patients with cirrhosis show reduced diaphragmatic function compared to healthy adults? Does removal of ascitic fluid by paracentesis improve diaphragmatic mechanics? Can ultrasound measurements of the diaphragm serve as a reliable non-invasive marker of sarcopenia when compared to CT scans? Participants will: Undergo diaphragmatic ultrasound during quiet and deep breathing Provide clinical and laboratory data related to liver disease severity In some cases, have ultrasound repeated before and after paracentesis For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, CT scans will be analyzed to measure muscle mass
Age range
18 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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Diaphragmatic Thickness (Tdi-exp, Tdi-insp) [cm]
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction (TF) [%]
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Diaphragmatic Excursion (DE) [cm]
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Group Differences in Diaphragmatic Thickness Across Cirrhosis Stages
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment)
Group Differences in Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction Across Cirrhosis Stages
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Group Differences in Diaphragmatic Excursion Across Cirrhosis Stages
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Thickness with Disease Severity
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction (TF) with Disease Severity
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).
Correlation of Diaphragmatic Excursion (DE) with Disease Severity
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1, at enrollment).