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Characterization of the Intestinal Microbiome in Patients with and without PSC

Details of Research

Primary Investigator: Mark Silverberg, MD

Enrolment: Ongoing 

Objective: The objective is to assess the composition of the microbiome in patients with and without PSC, IBD patients without PSC (Ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn’s disease) and healthy controls.

Expectation: This research may lead to a better understanding of why the disease occurs and what role the gut microbiome and other markers play in PSC and/or IBD.

Eligibility: Anyone who has a confirmed diagnosis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and/or IBD (either Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis). Also, if you do not have IBD (i.e. Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative colitis) and do not have a family history of IBD and are willing to participate as a healthy control, your help would be greatly appreciated.

Participation Involves:

  • Providing us with information regarding your family history and disease specifics
  • A small blood sample for research purposes
  • Providing us with permission to review your medical information regarding IBD
  • Filling in a 4-day food diary prior to your sample collection
  • If you are scheduled to have a colonoscopy already as part of your routine clinical care, you may be asked if you're willing to provide tissue biopsies for research purposes during your colonoscopy
  • If you are willing, you may be asked to provide a stool sample which can be collected at home
  • All study supplies are provided by us.
  • You may not have to see any physicians at Mount Sinai Hospital, if you are not already scheduled to have a colonoscopy performed by your physician.

We would like to sincerely thank all of our study participants. This research couldn't be possible without your cooperation.

Please contact Joanne Stempak (phone 416-586-4800 x8399) if you are interested in participating in this study.