Liver Disease Clinical Research Archives - AZ Clinical Trials

Calling all caregivers! Read our latest blog on tips for being a caregiver of someone with liver disease

Tips for Caregivers

August 4, 2021 No Comments

Having liver disease affects the person with it but also loved ones around them. Often a family member or friend fills the role of meeting a variety of physical and emotional needs. If you are a caregiver for someone with liver disease, here are some tips to help you feel better prepared to handle your loved ones’ needs. Caregivers Help When Necessary Most who care for a loved one with liver disease don’t consider themselves a “caregiver” initially. In reality, you play an essential role in your loved one’s life by lending a hand with the following. Daily Tasks Feeding, bathing, grooming, and dressing. Cleaning, cooking/meal preparation, and running errands. Manage finances/provide financial support Emotional support and companionship Medical Tasks Keeping medication schedules on time. Examples are giving reminders of dose times. Also, keeping track of supply and need for refills. Recognizing signs and symptoms of worsening liver disease, as well as medication side effects. Manage medical records and schedule their medical appointments. Provide transportation to appointments, shopping, and other events. Helpful Tips for Managing Caregiver Demands A caregiver manages their loved one’s daily life. Likewise, you are also managing your own family and personal needs. Here are some tips developed from expert advice and others who have cared for those with liver disease: Daily Ask for help from other family members or friends to help avoid caregiver burnout. Take care of your physical and emotional health too. Take time daily to break away and do something that brings you joy. The better you care for yourself, the better you can care for your loved one. Learn as much as you can about their condition. This way, you become informed of the best ways to help them thrive. Emotions Take one day at a time and learn ways to manage stress better. Understand that frustration from your loved one isn’t purposeful or personal. Contact your benefits advisor at your workplace to verify what support resources are available. Including free counseling sessions, legal aid, etc. Build a support network to connect with others who are going through the same experiences that you are. Medical Ensure your healthcare provider has given you a complete understanding of the information provided in each appointment. Talk to your healthcare provider about arranging home care services if needed. Finances Check with your bank or financial advisor to review any short-term solutions to help with any financial changes causing strain. Meet with other family members to involve everyone in future planning, more importantly, to better allocate financial responsibilities. Having liver disease and needing the help of a caregiver can be challenging. Your loved one may feel defeated and a burden on you and other loved ones. Participating in clinical research studies can help them give back by advancing medicine for liver disease. Volunteering has been shown to counteract symptoms of anxiety, depression and boost confidence. If your loved one has liver disease, enrolling liver disease research studies here at Arizona Liver Health may be an option. For more information, call us at (480) 470-4000, or visit our website. Sources: https://www.liver.ca/patients-caregivers/for-caregivers/ https://liverfoundation.org/caregivers/tips-for-caregivers/

Not sure if you're symptoms are COVID-19 related?

COVID: Know When to Get Tested

July 29, 2021 No Comments

49.2% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the current writing of this blog. After months of decline, new cases are rising again. In part, thanks to things like the delta variant, vaccine hesitancy, and July 4th gatherings. If anything, the rise in cases should solidify the fact the COVID-19 is still prevalent. Therefore, we should still know the symptoms and when to get tested at the very least. So, here’s your updated refresher. COVID-19 Symptoms COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Some only get mild symptoms, and others develop severe illness. Symptoms typically appear anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea As far as the delta variant, we are still learning about it. Unfortunately, this means there is a limit to the information available. We know that it seems to spread faster than the alphavirus variant first detected in Wuhan, China. So far, studies suggest that authorized vaccines offer strong protection against severe disease and death from the delta variant. As scientists and researchers continue efforts to understand these variants better, more information will become available. When to Test, and When not To. Anyone should undergo testing who is experiencing symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status. Other situations warrant testing if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. According to the CDC, if you don’t have symptoms and are not fully vaccinated, you should still be tested if you: Had close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19, This is including someone who does not have symptoms within ten days of their positive test result. Are an individual who’s taken part in activities that put you at higher risk for COVID-19. Attending large social or mass gatherings or being in crowded indoor settings are examples. Belong to a prioritized group for expanded community screening for COVID-19. Have been asked or referred to get testing by your school or workplace. If you are a healthcare provider or a member of a state, tribal, local, or territorial health department. You can find the interim recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals here. Are you Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms? If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we can test you for FREE here at Arizona Clinical Trials. Those with a positive test may be eligible to participate in enrolling COVID-19 clinical trials. Don’t delay; we can test you today! Call (480) 360-4000 to schedule your appointment, or visit our website to learn more! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/07/07/delta-variant-covid/

Liver Disease and the Hispanic Population

July 13, 2021 No Comments

The number of U.S. adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently sits around 25%. Approximately 2-3% of them will go on to develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a more severe form of NAFLD and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. By 2030, it is estimated this number will increase from 2-3% to up to 63%. Among the ethnic groups affected, Hispanic populations face the most significant risk of liver disease. Here’s why. Dangers of NASH and Prevalence in Hispanics NASH often stems from high-sugar, high-fat diets. To compensate, our livers begin storing excess fat. If nothing changes, inflammation occurs over time. Eventually, the inflammation progresses to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, the need for a liver transplant, and even death. NASH also has a close association with other conditions such as heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in patients. Thirty million Americans have NASH. The problem is most don’t know it because there typically aren’t any symptoms. Liver disease is a top cause of death among Hispanics, with NAFLD being among the most prevalent type. Hispanics are more often diagnosed in more advanced stages of liver disease and less likely to get help. Hispanic mortality rates are double that of other races. Risk Factors Multiple factors are contributing to the disproportionate effects of liver disease on Hispanics. Each element is also a top cause of fatty liver disease. These include: 43% of Hispanics in the U.S. are considered obese 35% of Hispanics in the U.S. have metabolic syndrome Diets high in carbohydrates and sugar Many Hispanics possess the gene variation PNPLA3, which is associated with a heightened risk of NAFLD and NASH The predisposition of Hispanics to these multiple risk factors further increases their risk higher than other ethnicities. Be Proactive with Your Liver Health By knowing the risk, Hispanic individuals can take steps to protect their liver health proactively. You can work with your doctor to routinely check your liver for any changes. Those with NAFLD or NASH can slow, stop, or reverse disease progression through healthier lifestyle changes. Prevention is also possible for at-risk individuals. Here are three lifestyle changes you can start immediately: Maintaining a healthy weight Eating a well-balanced, sensible diet Exercising moderately at least five days a week for 30 minutes or longer Lifestyle changes are the basis of liver disease treatment and prevention. By reversing the same behaviors that contribute to this condition, you can make a big impact on a healthier, better-functioning liver. The liver is a regenerative organ and can heal itself if caught in time. Don’t wait! Arizona Liver Health offers FREE fibroscans for adults at risk of liver disease. A fibroscan is a test that detects the stiffness in a liver to determine fatty liver disease or other conditions. It’s a quick, painless way to evaluate the health of your liver, and the results are immediate. There’s no cure for NASH. As a result, potential treatment options are under investigation in clinical research studies. If your results show the presence of liver disease, our team with review enrolling study options that may help. Schedule your FREE fibroscan today! Call us at (480) 470-4000, or request an appointment online. Sources: https://txliver.com/media/hispanics-and-liver-disease/ https://salud-america.org/the-silent-liver-disease-epidemic-among-latinos/

The End of Quarantine?

June 18, 2021 No Comments

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, 43.7% of Americans are now fully vaccinated. Most states have fully opened, and most have fully lifted mask mandates. Daily new cases and deaths are at a fraction of where they were previously. Nevertheless, they are still occurring. Is this the end of quarantine? Not yet. Quarantine Guidelines from the CDC Just because many people are vaccinated doesn’t mean those exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms no longer have to quarantine. The vaccinations have changed things a little but are mainly divided into directives for fully, partially, and unvaccinated individuals. Here is what the CDC says: Unvaccinated must quarantine: 10 days since symptoms first appeared and 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving. Partially vaccinated means: You have either not received your 2nd dose, or: It has not been 2 weeks since your second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. It has not been 2 weeks since your single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen. Partially vaccinated individuals experiencing symptoms or exposed to the virus would need to follow the standard quarantine guidelines as an unvaccinated person does. Fully vaccinated exposure to virus: You do not need to stay away from others or go through testing unless you have symptoms. Symptomatic fully vaccinated individuals will then follow the standard quarantine guidelines listed under unvaccinated individuals. Herd Immunity and Continuing the Fight Herd immunity became a buzzword when cases skyrocketed last year. It means the number of people in a population who can get the disease drops to such a low level that any new cases cannot spread. The problem is that accomplishing herd immunity means isolating people with symptoms and isolation from any new factors altering what we know about the disease. Neither of which is present in COVID-19. Variations in the virus and vaccine hesitancy further challenge the reality of reaching herd immunity. The reduction in cases and deaths is directly related to vaccine distribution and emerging treatments. The data gathered so far has shown vaccines are effective at preventing the virus, while treatments are helping more people to recover once they get it. Is this the end of the need for quarantine? No. If the virus has taught us anything, it’s to be respectful of each other’s health. It’s also evident that when a community unites against a public health threat, nothing’s impossible. Get involved in COVID-19 studies currently enrolling here at Arizona Liver Health. Healthy individuals, those experiencing symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19 are needed. Call us at (480) 360-4000 or visit our website to learn more! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/05/Herd-immunity-illusive-vaccination-best-to-stave-off-COVID-19.html

Can your liver benefit from a fibroscan?

Fibroscan: Can Your Liver Benefit from One?

June 8, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to detecting and identifying the severity of liver disease, the gold standard is typically a liver biopsy. Newer technological advances have paved the way for other non-invasive options such as the fibroscan. It comes without any risks. It’s also cheaper, quicker, and more accurate. If you are at risk for or already have liver disease, your overall health depends on early detection and regular monitoring. Both are just some of the reasons your liver can benefit from fibroscan technology. Time-Tested, Trusted Technology. For decades, ultrasound technology has enabled us to see a growing baby in the womb and many other medical uses. Fibroscan technology harnesses this technology to measure the stiffness of the liver. As the sound waves pass through the liver, the device measures how fast they go. The faster they move, through it, the greater the degree of fibrosis or stiffness. There are over 100 types of liver disease. However, most will follow the same path of progressive damage. Chronic inflammation as the body repeatedly attempts to heal the liver ironically ends up doing the exact opposite. In a healthy liver, the body produces and transports collagen to repair the damage. It does this by surrounding healthy tissue and strengthening it. With liver disease, more collagen is sent than needed. It builds up between liver cells, binding with other proteins forming scar tissue or fibrosis. The scarring can reduce or stop blood flow, starving and killing healthy cells. More scarring occurs, eventually replacing more and more healthy cells with non-function performing scar tissue. Early Detection, Progression Monitoring, Lifesaving. The liver is a regenerative organ and can heal itself even well into the later stages of liver disease. Ideally, those at risk of developing liver disease would work with their doctor to proactively monitor their liver health. By measuring the degree of stiffness, fibroscan technology can detect the presence of liver issues. Similarly, it is an essential monitoring tool for managing disease progression, stagnation, and regression. There isn’t a limit to the number of times your provider can perform a fibroscan. In turn, this allows for real-time results measuring how well lifestyle modifications and other therapies are working. The best part is that along with typical lab tests, fibroscan technology continues reducing the need for liver biopsies. Ultimately, it is improving, prolonging, and easing the management of the lives of liver disease patients. Your liver really can benefit from a fibroscan! Arizona Liver Health offers FREE fibroscans for adults at risk of developing liver disease. Based on the exam results, you may be eligible to participate in currently enrolling research studies evaluating potential new options for liver diseases like NASH. Take control of your liver health today! Schedule your free screen by calling (480) 470-4000 or requesting an appointment online. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3594956/ https://hemaware.org/bleeding-disorders-z/do-wave https://www.hje.org.uk/benefits-fibroscan-liver-health/

Physical Activity and Liver Disease

May 31, 2021 No Comments

Regular physical activity is the cornerstone of a healthier body and quality of life. It also has been proven to reduce your risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Physical activity and liver disease go hand in hand. It could even save your life. Exercise and the Effect on the Liver Exercises focusing on your cardiovascular system have a positive influence on blood oxygenation. These activities increase your heart rate and change your breathing pattern. In turn, this increases the amount of oxygen you take in and quickly delivers oxygen to your vital body organs, such as your liver. Exercise also reduces stress on the liver, raises energy levels, and helps prevent obesity, a risk factor for liver disease. Other benefits include: Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent developing conditions that can lead to liver damage. Examples are fatty liver, elevated blood glucose, diabetes, and elevated blood insulin. Regular exercise helps ease the depressive effects by triggering the release of endorphins. Exercise also helps balance out neurotransmitter levels. Together, these promote a sense of well-being and strength. In addition to improving the delivery of oxygen to vital organs, regular exercise improves the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. The outcome helps greatly improve energy levels. Scar tissues form in the liver because of the progressive damage. Ultimately, fibrous scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue leading to chronic damage (cirrhosis). Cirrhosis is often accompanied by loss of muscle mass and strength. Therefore, for those already with liver disease, physical activity may not only be beneficial but interventional too. Life-Saving Benefits Discovered Thanks to Research Studies The fact that exercising comes with many benefits is not some new revolutionary concept. Most of us know it’s good for you and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. A recent clinical research study proved a ground-breaking theory in the correlation of physical activity and cirrhosis-related deaths. It showed a 73% reduction in mortality risk when patients regularly walked during the week. When strength training was combined with walking, the risk was even less. As we continue learning more about liver disease and what causes it to develop, we increase community awareness and improve the lives of those living with this condition. A greater understanding of the disease also equips scientists and researchers with the tools necessary to improve management options. Arizona Liver Health is seeking participants to join enrolling studies for individuals diagnosed with NASH. NASH is a more severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and a growing epidemic in America. Learn more about how you can get involved by calling us at (480) 470-4000 or stopping by our website. References: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/physical-activity.htm#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20helps%20improve,depression%20and%20anxiety%2C%20and%20dementia. https://www.liversupport.com/exercise-for-chronic-liver-disease/ https://www.livestrong.com/article/287774-the-effect-of-exercise-on-liver-function/

COVID-19: It’s Not Over Yet

May 20, 2021 No Comments

As vaccine doses increase and mask mandates lift, it’s hard to imagine how much work is left to do in ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers are trending down, and while that’s great news, scientists, researchers, and health officials work diligently to increase our knowledge of the virus and expand how we detect, treat, and prevent it. The end may be closer than ever, but it’s not over. The fight to end COVID-19 pushes on and your help is needed more than ever. Research Studies are Vital to Ending COVID-19 The virus that causes COVID-19 isn’t new. However, the symptoms it triggers categorizes it into a new type of coronavirus. This means we would need new ways to detect, manage, and prevent this specific strain. Clinical research studies help us learn more about the virus. The information we learn can re-purpose previously approved therapies and design potential new ones. Research studies also play a vital role in evaluating how effective and safe potential new therapies are as they interact with the human body after lab evaluation. After completing all required phases of research, the FDA reviews the data and issues an approval or denial. Every FDA-approved therapy and device has gone through this process. Expanding Options and the Finish Line During extreme emergencies such as public health crises, the FDA can issue Emergency Use Authorization to potential new therapies. An EUA permits the public distribution and the use of unapproved drugs. Or, unapproved uses of approved medicines under specific guidelines. For COVID-19, one treatment thus far has full FDA approval. Remdesivir was developed over a decade ago. It received approval last year in late October to treat adults and children sick enough to need hospitalization. All three vaccines in circulation are under emergency use, along with treatments including: Monoclonal antibodies Antivirals Immune modulators Convalescent plasma The progress thus far is without a doubt thanks to the continued efforts of clinical research studies and those individuals who participate in them. Work continues to expand options for covering variants of the virus, younger patients, disease stage, and symptom severities. Also, to gather the remaining data needed to move those options under emergency use to full FDA approval. Are You Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms? Clinical research participants are the lifeblood of medical advances. Hundreds of thousands of individuals to date have joined in the unprecedented fight to end COVID-19. We will need many more before the end. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, Arizona Clinical Trials is offering FREE testing! Those with a positive result will be given the opportunity to see if they are eligible to participate in enrolling clinical trials. Get tested and get involved today! Call us at (480) 360-4000 or visit our website. References: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-exactly-where-were-at-with-vaccines-and-treatments-for-covid-19#Antivirals https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines#:~:text=The%20FDA%20has%20regulatory%20processes,include%20adolescents%2012%20through%2015. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/end-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-so-close-and-yet-

5 myths and 5 facts about COVID-19 vaccines

5 Facts and Myths About COVID-19 Vaccines

April 30, 2021 No Comments

Accurate vaccine information is critical now that there are authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. Knowing which sources of information you can trust can be complex. You may have heard claims about the vaccines on social media or from family or friends. Or the rapid development and approval of these vaccines may have made you hesitant about their safety or effectiveness. The truth is, vaccines are the best chance we have of ending COVID-19. It’s time to set the record straight and get the facts behind 5 of the most common myths about COVID-19 vaccines. Top 5 Myths Busted Myth #1: The COVID-19 vaccine was rushed, so it can’t be safe. Truth: The CDC said it best, “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met FDA’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA). “ Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines will undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. This monitoring includes using both established and new safety monitoring systems to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Myth #2: It will alter your DNA. Truth: Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to fight COVID-19. However, it never enters the nucleus of the cell, where we keep our DNA. The genetic material in the vaccines cannot affect or interact in any way with our DNA. Myth #3: If you’ve already had COVID-19, you don’t need to get the vaccine. Truth: There are severe health risks associated with COVID-19, and it is possible to get reinfected. Therefore, individuals may benefit from getting the vaccine. Myth #4: The vaccine will deliver a microchip into your body. Truth: This myth was started after a comment made by Bill Gates about vaccine registry and wasn’t even referring to a microchip. There is no vaccine microchip, and the vaccine will not gather any personal information or track people. Myth #5: It affects fertility. Truth: Currently, there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, and there is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. The Truth is Out There When researching the COVID-19 vaccines on the internet, check that the information comes from a credible source that is updated regularly. Millions of people have been affected by this virus, but together, we can help to end COVID-19. Arizona Clinical Trials offers FREE COVID-19 screenings and conducts research studies looking into potential new ways to treat and prevent it. To learn how you can get involved, call 480-360-4000, or visit our website. References: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-myth-versus-fact https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/featured-topic/covid-19-vaccine-myths-debunked

10 Tips To Keep Your Liver Happy and Healthy

April 20, 2021 No Comments

Indeed, the liver is a resilient, amazing organ. However, it isn’t indestructible, and its health is vital to your body’s overall wellness. Anyone can develop liver disease, so Arizona Liver Health has 10 tips to keep your liver happy and healthy. 10 Tips for Overall Liver Health 1. Maintain a healthy weight. Even those somewhat overweight are in danger of having a fatty liver that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Losing weight can play a vital role in helping to reduce liver fat. 2. Eat healthily. Avoid foods high in calories, sugars, and saturated fats. A well-adjusted diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, rice, and cereals. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are good fats. They are found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish are “good” fats. Hepatitis A is contracted from contaminated food and water. Avoid raw or contaminated seafood or shellfish to be safe. 3. Exercise regularly. Exercising consistently (30 minutes per day, 5 days a week) helps burn triglycerides for fuel. It can also reduce liver fat. 4. Keep chronic conditions managed. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major risk factors for fatty liver disease. Keeping them under reasonable control with diet can help limit and prevent liver damage. 5. Limit alcohol use. Overindulging in alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells and scar your liver. Talk to your doctor about what the right amount of alcohol is for you. 6. Cut down smoking or stop smoking. Smoking has been linked to liver cancer and can also enhance the toxic effects that some medications have on the liver. 7. Practice safe sex. Having unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk of developing hepatitis B and hepatitis C. 8. Wash your hands. Use soap and warm water immediately after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Also before preparing or eating food. 9. Follow given directions on all medications. You can harm your liver when you take medications incorrectly or by taking too much. Always let your doctor know about any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural remedies that you use. 10. Get available hepatitis vaccinations. Currently, there are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is not a vaccine for hepatitis C. Arizona Liver Health is committed to advancing options for liver disease patients through the research studies we conduct. Volunteers participating in clinical research make these advancements possible. When you have liver disease, and you join a study, you prioritize your health by learning more about your condition and potentially gaining access to new therapies not publicly available. To see how you can get involved in one of our enrolling liver studies, call (480) 470-4000, or visit our website. References: https://www.healthxchange.sg/digestive-system/liver/tips-healthy-liver https://liverfoundation.org/13-ways-to-a-healthy-liver/

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Liver Disease Clinical Research Archives - AZ Clinical Trials

Tips for Caregivers

COVID: Know When to Get Tested

Liver Disease and the Hispanic Population

The End of Quarantine?

Fibroscan: Can Your Liver Benefit from One?

Physical Activity and Liver Disease

COVID-19: It’s Not Over Yet

5 Facts and Myths About COVID-19 Vaccines

10 Tips To Keep Your Liver Happy and Healthy

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