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Patients suspected of having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may soon benefit from more efficient testing protocols, potentially eliminating the need for lengthy and unnecessary colonoscopies, according to a recent study published in Frontline Gastroenterology.
Researchers from the Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the University of Birmingham conducted a two-year study involving 767 participants to test a new diagnostic protocol aimed at enhancing IBD diagnosis. The protocol combines clinical history assessment with multiple home stool tests.
In the study, patients underwent triage and repeated fecal calprotectin (FCP) tests. The research team discovered that serial FCP tests could effectively predict the presence of IBD, including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
One of the key findings was that a second FCP test served as a strong indicator for further investigation, potentially including colonoscopy. However, the researchers noted that only 20% of patients had two samples submitted before referral to secondary care.
Dr. Peter Rimmer, corresponding author of the study and affiliated with the Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, highlighted the significance of the findings, stating, “Patients with symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases often face prolonged waits for diagnosis, and current testing methods are under significant strain.”
Rimmer continued, “By employing a comprehensive symptom checker and utilizing multiple FCP tests, we have significantly improved our ability to identify patients with IBD and other related conditions. Implementing this protocol could drastically reduce the time required for diagnosis and initiation of treatment for IBDs, as much of the screening and testing can be conducted in primary care settings.”
Dr. Rachel Cooney, Consultant Gastroenterologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and co-author of the study, emphasized the broader implications of the research, stating, “This study not only offers potential improvements in referral triage for IBD patients but also paves the way for innovative care pathways.”
Cooney added, “With the increasing availability of home FCP testing, coupled with simple symptom questionnaires, we envision the development of algorithms that enable patients to self-refer to secondary care services, thereby alleviating the burden on primary care. We are currently initiating a large follow-up study to explore these possibilities further.”
The study’s findings represent a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases, offering hope for shorter wait times and more streamlined care pathways for patients.
