Home > Transplant

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Current Trials

Project Title: Pectin Supplementation in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome and Colon in Continuity

Purpose:

  1. To increase nutrient absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome
  2. To reduce fluid losses in patients with short bowel syndrome

Pectin is a water soluble, non-cellulose fiber that is nearly completely fermented by bacteria that normally inhabit the colon. The fermentation process produces short chain fatty acids which can be absorbed by the colon and used as fuel. Pectin also may increase the transit time of nutrients in the small intestine and thereby improve absorption. Therefore, it is possible the use of pectin may decrease requirements for TPN and intravenous fluids.

Inclusion trial criteria:

  • Short bowel syndrome with <150 cm small bowel remaining and ending in either a Jejuno-colic or an ileo-colic anastomosis and >50 percent of colon remaining.
  • 18-75 years or age
  • Home TPN or IV fluid dependent

Exclusion Criteria

  • Jejunostomy or Ileostomy

Procedures
Two five-day admissions to the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) with a 21 day period in between. Stool and urine collections will be completed during the GCRC admissions to analyze nutrient absorption. Energy expenditure will be measured (how much energy the body burns) and the time it takes nutrients to flow through the intestine will be determined.

Sponsor:
Northwestern University General Clinical Research Center

Principle Ivestigator:
Alan Buchman, MD, MSPH

Cost:
None

Contact:
Anita Wallin, RN, (312) 695-4015

IRB Project Number:
677-044

Project Title: A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Teduglutide in Subjects with Parenteral Nutrition-Dependant Short Bowel Syndrome

Purpose:
An experimental research study for patients who take parenteral nutrition (PN) for Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). The purpose of this research study is to compare the effectiveness of two doses of the study medication and placebo in reducing the amount of PN in subjects with SBS. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a naturally occurring hormone, secreted by cells in the intestine in response to food. It maintains the health of the lining of the intestine. The study medication is a protein similar to GLP-2 and has similar effects on improving absorption from the intestine. This may allow a decrease in the amount of PN you need to avoid dehydration and malnutrition. It is administered as an injection.

Inclusion trial criteria:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Have SBS as a result of major intestinal resection
  • Require PN treatment at least three times weekly

Exclusion criteria:

  • History of alcohol or drug abuse
  • Laboratory abnormalities

Sponsor:
NPS/Allelix

Principle Ivestigator:
Alan Buchman, MD, MSPH

Cost:
None

Contact:
Anita Wallin, RN, (312) 695-4015

 Intestine Resources