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Special outpatient clinic for steatotic liver diseases

  1. Department of Medicine III
  2. Our departments
  3. Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  4. Patient information
  5. Outpatient Department
  6. Special outpatient clinic for steatotic liver diseases

Dr.in Emina Halilbasic

Senior Physician

Ap.Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr.med.univ.et scient.med.Mattias Mandorfer

Senior Physician

Contact

Accessibility: Checkpoint 7i, red bed building

Appointments Phone: +43 (0)1 40400-47500 
or E-Mail: post_akh_ls_7i@akhwien.at

Business hours: Monday - Friday by appointments

Inquiries regarding registry/study participation: Tel.: 0680 1549338

or email: sld@meduniwien.ac.at

 

 

At our specialized outpatient clinic for steatotic liver diseases (SLD), we care for patients with (suspected) steatotic liver diseases (formerly known as “fatty liver disease,” NAFLD, NASH). These include:

MASLD (metabolic steatotic liver disease)

MetALD (combined metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease)

ALD (alcohol-associated liver disease)

We manage the entire spectrum of the disease—from simple fatty liver to liver inflammation (steatohepatitis) and potential complications such as scarring (liver fibrosis) and cirrhosis.

In clinical trials, we evaluate new diagnostic and treatment approaches and implement them in clinical practice. We also oversee and monitor approved medications (the “weight-loss injection” and resmetirom) and conduct studies to investigate the efficacy of therapies that have not yet been approved.

Further information can be found below in the respective tabs.

Your outpatient visit typically proceeds as follows:

Medical history: We will discuss your current situation, symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and medications. Based on this information and the results of further tests, we will provide recommendations and determine any additional diagnostic steps that may be necessary.

Blood draw, including screening for other chronic liver diseases and assessment of liver fibrosis using the ELF™ test

Liver stiffness measurement (elastography)

Body composition measurement (bioimpedance analysis)

Standardized questionnaires on alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet

Please arrive at your appointment on an empty stomach.

All necessary tests can usually be performed on the day of your outpatient visit and are covered by health insurance.

In some cases, a liver biopsy, gastroscopy, or hepatic venous pressure measurement may be necessary; we will arrange and schedule these procedures.

What should I bring with me?

Previous test results from your primary care physician or a board-certified internist, particularly blood test results and ultrasound findings

Current list of medications

Liver Elastography Using FibroScan®

Liver elastography using FibroScan® is a quick, painless test that measures the stiffness of the liver. This allows for an assessment of whether liver scarring (fibrosis) is present and, if so, how severe it is. In addition, the fat content of the liver (CAP value) can be evaluated.

Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA)

Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a brief, non-invasive measurement that uses weak, imperceptible electrical impulses to determine body composition. Among other things, it estimates fat mass, muscle mass, and body water. The measurement takes only a few minutes.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from the liver using a thin needle under local anesthesia. This sample is examined microscopically in the laboratory to more accurately assess, for example, inflammation, fatty degeneration, and scarring (fibrosis). The sample can be obtained either through the skin from the outside (percutaneously) or, in conjunction with liver vein pressure measurement, via a catheter inserted through a neck vein (internal jugular vein) (transjugular).

After the procedure, inpatient monitoring for one night is usually necessary. 

Gastroscopy

During a gastroscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure can detect, for example, inflammation, ulcers, or varicose veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices), and samples (biopsies) can be taken if necessary. Varicose veins can be treated by ligation. The procedure is performed either under light sedation or with local anesthesia in the throat.

Hepatic Vein Pressure Measurement (HVPG)

Hepatic vein pressure measurement (HVPG) is a test used to determine the pressure gradient in the liver and thus to assess portal hypertension. For this procedure, a thin catheter is advanced through a neck vein (internal jugular vein) into the hepatic veins, and the pressure is measured. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
 

 

Status: Currently recruiting

Survodutid activates hormonal signaling pathways that lead to significant weight loss and an improvement in metabolism. As a result, liver fat content is reduced, inflammatory processes (steatohepatitis) may subside, and scarring of liver tissue (fibrosis) is expected to slow down or partially improve. This is intended to prevent the progression of metabolically associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly NASH) as well as the development of liver-related complications.

The LIVERAGE™ study 1404-0044 is a clinical, placebo-controlled trial for patients with confirmed MASH and non-cirrhotic liver fibrosis (F2–F3). Two-thirds of the participants will receive the study drug, and one-third will receive a placebo. A liver biopsy, among other tests, is required during the pre-study examinations.

For more information about the study, visit: https://liverage.study/deu/study-details/ 

Status: Currently recruiting

Survodutid activates hormonal signaling pathways that lead to significant weight loss and an improvement in metabolism. As a result, liver fat content is reduced, inflammatory processes (steatohepatitis) may subside, and the progression of liver tissue scarring (cirrhosis/fibrosis) is expected to slow down or, in some cases, improve. This is intended to prevent further progression of the disease and the development of liver-related complications.

The LIVERAGE™ study 1404-0064 is designed for patients with MASH and liver cirrhosis that is still stable (compensated). Two-thirds of the participants will receive the study drug, and one-third will receive a placebo. The goal is to stabilize the course of the disease and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

For more information about the study, visit: https://liverage.study/deu/study-details/ 

Tirzepatide activates the receptors for the hormones GLP-1 and GIP, while retatrutide activates the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon; as a result, in addition to significant weight loss, improvements in steatosis (liver fat content), inflammation (steatohepatitis), and scarring are expected. This is intended to prevent disease progression and the development of complications. The study is limited to patients with advanced disease who are in urgent need of treatment, with one-third of the patients receiving a placebo. A liver biopsy is necessary only in some cases.

As part of a registry study (observational study), we collect and analyze data from patients with steatotic liver disease (SLD) that is gathered during routine outpatient care. This will not require any additional tests, appointments, or inconvenience on your part. By participating, you are making an important contribution to a better understanding of SLD in the future and to further improving care as well as future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Alcohol can not only trigger or significantly worsen steatotic liver disease (SLD), but also has an adverse effect on overall metabolic health (e.g., blood pressure, blood lipids, weight). This also increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Alcohol is therefore one of the leading preventable causes of disease burden and premature mortality in Europe.

It is important to note: There is no safe amount of alcohol. If you have been diagnosed with SLD, we recommend strictly abstaining from alcohol (no alcohol).

Where can I get help with excessive alcohol consumption? 

Patients: Please contact post_akh_ls_7i@akhwien.at to schedule an appointment, or submit your contact information and request a callback. Alternatively, please call: +43 (0)1 40400 47785 we will call you back.

Referring Physicians: Please contact post_akh_ls_7i@akhwien.at to schedule an appointment or provide the patient’s contact information so we can call them back.