STELIR
Study on hidden liver disease
Fatty liver disease often develops without symptoms, and many people don’t know they are at risk. Helse Vest is now looking for participants for a study that aims to detect the disease earlier – so treatment and prevention can start in time.
About the trial
Fatty liver disease is caused by an abnormal buildup of fat in the liver, known as steatotic liver disease. The condition develops silently and, over time, can lead to scarring and liver cirrhosis, a serious condition where the liver gradually loses its function.
The study examines liver health in people at increased risk of fatty liver disease due to overweight, type 2 diabetes, or harmful alcohol consumption.
The goal is to improve diagnosis in general practice so the disease can be detected early enough to prevent cirrhosis.
Scientific title
Better detection of steatotic liver disease in general practice
Information about participation
The trial is open for recruitment from 2/1/2026
Who can participate?
You may qualify for the study if you:
- Are between 40 and 70 years old
- Have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 30)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Harmful alcohol consumption
You do not need to have symptoms or a known liver disease to participate.
Please contact the study team if you are interested. See contact details at the bottom of this page.
What does the trial entail?
The examination takes about one hour and is repeated after 2 years, 5 years, and then every 5 years.
These visits include:
- Medical interview
- Blood tests
- Questionnaires
- Elastography (ultrasound-based stiffness measurement of the liver)
Throughout the study, you will continuously receive information and advice about your liver health based on the results.
By participating in the study, you will be asked to consent to the sample material and the information collected being included in the research biobank and the health registry STELIR at Stavanger University Hospital (REK-id 934064).
Be aware
The ultrasound-based liver test (elastography) is painless and has no side effects.
Unexpected signs of liver disease may be discovered during the examinations, which some may find stressful. If this happens, further tests and follow-up will be offered.
Contact
Our skilled study nurses at the clinical research unit are ready to welcome participants to the study.
Please note! Do not send sensitive personal information by email.
Svein Reidar Kjosavik
Professor i allmennmedisin, forskningsleder ALLFORSK
sveinCollaboration partners
Cooperation with
- Oslo universitetssykehus
The project is a collaboration with Odense University Hospital in Denmark, Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and Stavanger University Hospital and Oslo University Hospital in Norway.
This is a Nordic collaboration through the Nordic SLD Network, which brings together the leading Nordic professional environments in liver health research.
