What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation in the digestive tract with periods of active symptoms and remission. The study aims to evaluate how the gut microbiome's composition and function can predict the course of IBD during the first year after diagnosis, focusing on whether gut microbial metabolites can indicate the need for early treatment escalation. Participants newly diagnosed with IBD will be enrolled before their first colonoscopy. Researchers will collect and analyze fecal samples and mucosal-luminal interface aspirates to study gut microbiome and metabolite profiles, including short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. They will also examine how these microbial factors affect gene expression in the gut lining and test the gut bacteria's capacity to produce these metabolites in laboratory conditions. During the study, participants will provide biological samples and undergo colonoscopy. Researchers will compare microbiome data with clinical outcomes, particularly the need for treatment escalation within the first year. The study will last up to 36 months to observe microbiome changes and disease progression. The goal is to identify biomarkers that help guide early, personalized treatment approaches for IBD patients.

Early Inflammatory Bowel Disease Progression