Donate samples and share medical information to advance bowel disease research

Back to Inflammatory Bowel Disease trials

Recruiting

What is this trial?

Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases want to understand why some people develop inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This study collects blood samples, tissue biopsies, and genetic information from patients with these conditions—and from healthy volunteers—to identify the molecular and immune system problems that trigger the disease. By understanding these root causes, researchers hope to develop new and better treatments.

Current treatments don't work for everyone with inflammatory bowel disease, and doctors still don't fully understand what causes these conditions. This study aims to fill that gap by identifying the underlying immune system and genetic abnormalities, which could lead to more effective therapies tailored to individual patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or another inflammatory bowel disease
you are between 0 and 75 years old (or older if submitting samples by mail)
you have clinical symptoms of bowel inflammation, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, or bloody stools
you are willing to undergo blood draws and possibly a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to provide tissue samples
you have blood counts and clotting test results within safe ranges if undergoing a biopsy procedure

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a very low red blood cell count (hematocrit below 30%) or low platelet count (below 100,000)
you have bleeding or clotting disorders that would make a biopsy unsafe
you are unable to consent to the study on your own
you are under 18 years old and planning to visit the NIH Clinical Center in person (though younger children can participate by mail-in samples)

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you'll be asked to donate blood samples and may be invited to undergo an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy so doctors can collect small tissue samples from your intestines. You'll also share your medical history and clinical information relevant to your bowel disease. Participation can happen either at the NIH Clinical Center as an inpatient or outpatient visit, or by mail if you're providing samples remotely. The study is ongoing, and researchers may contact you periodically to update your medical information.

Understanding Immune System Problems in Bowel Diseases

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)