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Research Studies

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Studies

Find research studies available to children cared for by the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition team.

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AA Genetic Study

The purpose of this study is to compare the genes of African American children and adults who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the genes of those who do not have IBD. Genes are pieces of hereditary material found in human cells. How an individual's genes cause intestinal inflammation in IBD is still being tested and not much is known about the association between genes and IBD in individuals with African ancestry. We hope to understand which genes cause IBD and if certain genes can help doctors personalize treatment for patients with IBD. For more information please contact IBDResearch@email.chop.edu.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Adults, Children

Bio Repository

The purpose of this research study is to collect different types of samples (such as stool, swabs, urine) to form a biorepository. This repository will provide valuable samples from people with and without IBD so that investigators can learn more about the cause of IBD, and different therapies that could be used to treat it. These samples will be used for future gastrointestinal research. Because technology and scientific understanding may advance quickly, it is not yet known what specific studies the samples may be used for.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, Healthy Controls

CAPTURE Inflammatory Bowel Disease

CAPTURE Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a multi-center, longitudinal study designed with the goal of advancing precision medicine in pediatric IBD. Participants in CAPTURE IBD will continue to receive their usual care at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The study team will ask participants to give blood, stool, and tissue samples at the same time as scheduled IBD clinical visits, endoscopy, or bowel surgery visits. Additionally, participants will be asked to complete electronic surveys at scheduled clinic visits, including any scheduled endoscopy or bowel surgery visits. The study will use the biospecimens and health data as a research resource that can help scientists to answer questions like:

  • Can we help guide the selection of the most effective IBD therapies for pediatric and young adult populations?
  • Can we help identify new treatments for pediatric patients who are not responding to current available therapies?
  • Can we advance our understanding of who are the best candidates for surgery in pediatric Crohn's disease and the best treatment approaches after surgery?

CAPTURE IBD will enroll 3,000 patients, ages 4-21 years old, who have an established or suspected diagnosis of IBD at 12 sites across the United States.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

Diet and Motility in IBS

This study seeks to characterize dietary intake in children with IBS and explore severity of symptoms and quality of life. This study uses the G-Tech wireless patch system to define patterns of gut motility in patients with IBS and associate these patterns with dietary intake and GI symptoms. Participants will wear the patches for 7 days as a part of the study. They can be worn under clothing and participants can continue daily activities other than swimming, bathing (although they can shower), and exercising. Stool and urine samples will also be collected to explore the gut microbiome and its association with IBS symptoms, diet, and patterns of gut motility.

We are looking to partner with patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IBS between 8 and 18 years of age who are undergoing dietary modifications such as a low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet.

Phase: Pilot

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, One-Time Visit Studies

ENCODE

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the impact of non-persistent and persistent chemical exposures on autoimmunity, gene expression and the microbiome in children with and without Crohns disease. If these chemical exposures are associated with differences in the epigenome and microbiome that are known to predispose for Crohns disease, the proposed research could further support changes in dietary behaviors to limit exposure, and efforts to regulate manufacturing processes that unintentionally and intentionally add these chemicals to food.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Adults, Children, Healthy Controls

Hypnotherapy in Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders

The purpose of this study is to find out if a video-guided hypnotherapy (VGH) program will improve the symptoms of those with a functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD). This program uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness. These techniques can be used to help some people change certain behaviors, and it is also used to treat chronic pain. VGH does not feature direct in-person interaction with a psychotherapist (mental health professional), but rather recorded sessions that can be viewed at any time at the discretion of the patient. This study will use the video-guided hypnotherapy program that has been developed by Jeffrey Lazarus, MD, FAAP. Dr. Lazarus is a general pediatrician with an extensive background in the use of clinical hypnosis in children. He has been certified as an Approved Consultant by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Phase: Pilot

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies

PAIR

The purpose of this study is to characterize the microbiome in children with Crohns disease who have perianal fistula and to compare it to other children with Crohns disease who do not have perianal disease. Studying the role of the microbiome in perianal fistula may help us to develop new therapies.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Adults, Children

Pediatric IBD Fatigue Index, and the Pediatric IBD Disability Index Study

Kids with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) often struggle with tiredness and difficulty doing everyday activities, which can make life harder, but there aren't good tools to measure these problems in children. This study aims to create special tools to measure fatigue and disability in kids aged 2-18. Researchers will talk to kids and their parents to find out what issues matter most and use this information, along with medical records, to design the tools. The goal is to help doctors track these problems better and improve care for children with IBD. This study is being done in collaboration with the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Participants will be compensated for their time and effort, upon completion of the interview.

Phase: Phase I

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, One-Time Visit Studies, Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies

Pediatric Study of Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis

The goals of this research study are to learn more about acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis in order to better understand the disease in the hopes of enhancing future treatment options. If you and your child agree to participate you will each be asked to: meet with the study team at your annual check-up, complete questionnaires about medical history, family history, and quality of life, agree to a one-time blood or saliva sample collection. All participants will be compensated for their time and effort. If you would be interested in participating, please contact study coordinator Lucia Sanchez by phone at 267-426-8411, or email at sanchezlc@email.chop.edu.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, One-Time Visit Studies

RE-EEN Smoothie Study

The RE-EEN Smoothie Study is recruiting patients newly diagnosed with Crohn's Disease who are interested in using diet to help achieve disease remission. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of a whole-food based smoothie as Exclusive Enteral Nutrition for Crohn's Disease. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a whole-food based smoothie, or formula as Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) therapy for Crohn's Disease. Participants will work closely with the study dietician to ensure that all of their nutritional needs are met during their participation in the study.

Phase: Phase II

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

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