Spotting Subtypes in IBD: Understanding Risk of Fibrosis
Study code
DAA232
Lead researcher
Dr. Animesh Acharjee
Study type
Data only
Institution or company
University of Birmingham
Researcher type
Academic
Speciality area
Gastroenterology
Summary
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are sicknesses that last a long time and hurt the gut (the tube in our body that food travels through). Together, they are called IBD.
In some kids and adults with Crohn’s, the gut walls become stiff and narrow over time. This is called fibrosis. About half of people with Crohn’s get this problem. When the gut gets too narrow, food can’t move through properly, and sometimes doctors need to do surgery. Sadly, there are no medicines yet that can stop or fix fibrosis.
In our project, we want to find out why.
- Collect the data: We’ll use lots of information from big databases, like medical records and tests on genes and proteins. We’ll clean and match all the data so it makes sense together.
- Group patients: With the help of computers and AI, we’ll sort patients into groups, like: People who never get fibrosis; People who get it slowly; People who get it very quickly
- Look for warning signs: We’ll search for clues in each group—like lifestyle, past health, or tiny changes in their bodies. This might help doctors tell early on who is most at risk and, in the future, create new treatments.