Utilization of NBi in assessing Luminal INflammaion in IBD (UNBLIND)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Utility of narrow band endoscopy in predicting short and long term risk of relapse in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis.
IRAS ID
120491
Contact name
Venkataraman Subramanian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Research summary
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of unknown aetiology, characterized by a diffuse confluent mucosal inflammation of the colon starting from the rectum with a relapsing and remitting course. Conventional endoscopy was thought to be a reliable parameter of disease activity, but microscopic inflammation can persist despite normal mucosal findings. Histologically detectable inflammation is associated with a greater risk of subsequent relapse. A flare in UC activity is difficult to predict, but a simple, easily measured biological marker of relapse would be important in guiding the most appropriate therapy.
Recent technological advances in fiber optics, light sources, detectors, and molecular biology have stimulated development of numerous optical methods that promise to significantly improve our ability to evaluate human epithelium in vivo. These methods, collectively termed “optical biopsy,” are non-destructive in situ assays of mucosal histopathology using light that can provide instantaneous tissue assessment. Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a novel technique that enhances the diagnostic capability of endoscopes in characterising tissues by using filters in a red-green-blue (RGB) sequential illumination system. This results in improved mucosal contrast and detail.
UC always involves the distal colon and activity is usually greatest in recto-sigmoid area. This makes evaluation of the rectum and sigmoid an attractive marker in patients with UC. Unlike serum and faecal markers, endoscopic assessment of the mucosa is unlikely to be affected by systemic disease and would be acceptable test for patients and physicians.
We plan to evaluate THE recto-sigmoid mucosa in patients with UC by flexible endoscope using both white light and NBI endoscopy. These patients will be followed by for one year or until they relapse, whichever comes first. The aim of our study is to develop endoscopic biomarkers to predict relapse in acute and quiescent UC.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0115
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion