Microscopic colitis - survey of diagnostic pathways
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A survey of patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis in the Leeds Teaching Hospitals: a study of current diagnostic and management pathways
IRAS ID
190219
Contact name
Alex Ford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, days
Research summary
Microscopic colitis is an uncommon cause of inflammation of the large bowel that can be effectively treated with specific oral steroid therapy. Most patients have symptoms of uncomfortable loose watery motions usually without visible blood. It is diagnosed from biopsy samples taken during colonoscopy. In these situations the bowel usually looks normal under direct vision. Previous studies have shown that those at risk for developing microscopic colitis are more likely to be women, older than 50 years of age, report loose stools at night and weight loss, and may be taking particular medications. There is also some evidence of a link between certain conditions such as coeliac disease, and other autoimmune diseases. However, there have been no studies conducted in the UK that have examined these issues. In previous studies we have seen that affected patients often have symptoms which may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and therefore may not receive the right treatment.
During this study we will send questionnaires to patients recently diagnosed with microscopic colitis. We are interested in assessing their presenting symptoms, to look for the presence of common risk factors for microscopic colitis, to see how many patients would fit the criteria to diagnose IBS and to study the impact of a diagnosis on physical and psychological health. A specific questionnaire is also included to assess fatigue levels in these patients. We hope to be able to examine how we are currently diagnosing and managing patients with this condition.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0543
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion