Transperineal Ultrasound for Assessing and Predicting Response in Hospitalized Patients with a Flare of Ulcerative Colitis

Launched by SUNSHINE COAST HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICE · Jul 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to assess the severity of ulcerative colitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the intestines. Researchers want to see if a non-invasive test called transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) is as effective as a standard procedure known as flexible sigmoidoscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the rectum to look at the intestines. If TPUS proves to be just as useful, it could reduce the need for more invasive tests in the future, making the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.

To participate in the study, patients must be at least 18 years old and experiencing a moderate or severe flare-up of ulcerative colitis. They should also have a confirmed diagnosis of this condition. If eligible, participants will receive standard treatment for their flare and undergo both the new ultrasound test and the flexible sigmoidoscopy during their hospital stay, with follow-up tests scheduled about ten weeks after they leave the hospital. This trial aims to show that TPUS can help doctors assess how severe the inflammation is and predict the best treatment options for patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients aged \>= 18 years old
• • Presentation with a moderate or severe flare of ulcerative colitis as defined by standard clinical and laboratory criteria
• • Confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or clinical history consistent with the disease
• • Ability to provide informed consent and willingness to comply with study protocols
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant women
• • Patients with severe comorbidities for whom endoscopic assessment is contraindicated
• • Patients with non-UC colitis (e.g. Crohn's colitis, ischaemic colitis)
• • Patients with active perianal disease deemed by the study coordinators as severe enough to preclude the comfortable use of trans-perineal ultrasound