Zhuangwei Township

Researchers are investigating the effects and mechanisms of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt TIPS in improving sarcopenia, a condition of muscle loss common in patients with chronic liver disease and especially cirrhosis. Sarcopenia increases mortality and complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and infections. Although TIPS has shown benefits for portal hypertension symptoms and preliminary improvements in muscle mass and function, its exact mechanism is not fully understood. All patients in this study receive TIPS treatment. Participants are divided into two groups based on whether sarcopenia improves after TIPS, determined by CT scans measuring skeletal muscle mass index SMI before and one year after the procedure. Researchers analyze serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 FGF21 and monitor changes in nutritional status, muscle strength, and function to explore the relationship between FGF21 and sarcopenia improvement. Participants are followed for one year with blood tests to measure serum FGF21 and imaging to assess muscle mass changes. Muscle strength and walking speed are also monitored. The study evaluates correlations between FGF21 changes and muscle indicators as well as overall survival after TIPS. The study runs from June 2025 to December 2027, with follow-ups to understand the prognosis and guide future treatments for sarcopenia in cirrhosis.