Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Since the nation's first gastroenterology center was founded at the University of in 1927, our board-certified specialists have engaged in pioneering research into all areas of gastroenterology, particularly Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). With decades of experience and current research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the pharmaceutical industry, our gastroenterologists and IBD Surgeons work toward discovering the causes of IBD, as well as keys to controlling its impact on your life.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whether it is Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, can affect many areas of one's life. University of Chicago gastroenterologists and IBD Surgeons have earned an international reputation for their research and successful treatment of all types of IBD. Their approach to care includes:

• Beginning treatment conservatively, carefully measuring your results before considering stronger medications. Their extensive experience ensures an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment with minimal side effects.

• Treatment that improves and maintains your overall health and nutrition while relieving the discomfort and stress of IBD.

• An array of medications to treat the condition. We are one of a handful of research centers testing new IBD treatments. Our physicians have extensive experience with even the newest medications.
  
  
• Surgery, when necessary, by University of Chicago surgeons who specialize in complex IBD surgery and work in concert with our gastroenterologists.

BALANCING YOUR TREATMENT AND LIFESTYLE

Clinical Trials for Better Treatments of IBD

We have been conducting clinical trials for people with all types of IBD, whether it is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or other problems of the digestive tract for many years. Clinical trials help determine better ways of treating these problems. The studies are of varying lengths -- some as short as four or six weeks and others lasting over a year.

THE TYPES OF CLINICAL TRIALS CONDUCTED

Some of the studies are "controlled" trials. That means some individuals receive one or several doses of trial medication, and others receive a placebo--a substance that looks like the trial drug but does not contain an active ingredient. Neither the study participant nor the doctor and nurse conducting the study will know what dose the participant is receiving, or if he or she is receiving a placebo. This type of study is a very efficient way of determining a drugs' true benefit.

Other studies offer experimental medication on an open-label protocol. That means you will receive the investigational medication at a dose known to you and the doctor. You will be asked to return for evaluation on a pre-defined schedule so that your progress on the drug can be carefully monitored. These studies are often preliminary and provide Inflammatory Bowel Diseaseormation about the safety of new medicines.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CLINICAL TRIAL

Participants in our studies are required to schedule periodic visits at the University of Chicago Medical Center. During these visits, you will undergo a brief physical exam and some diagnostic tests in order to monitor your condition. These visits would occur about every two weeks to two months, depending on the requirements of the study.
The advantages for participating in a study include:

• Possibly receiving a newer, more effective drug for the treatment of your condition.

• Being evaluated by an expert in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

• Helping develop new and better therapies and increasing the knowledge available about the disease.

SUCCESSFUL TRIALS RESULT IN BETTER TREATMENTS

FIND OUT FROM THE SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE

To learn more about our inflammatory bowel disease program and clinical trials, or to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call (773) 702-6140.

Our gastroenterologists have discovered that ongoing treatment of IBD is more effective than periodic intervention when acute episodes occur. Our physicians continually monitor your progress with concern for how the medications alleviate the discomfort and accommodate your lifestyle. The effectiveness of these medications and the impact of IBD on the quality of your life are particular areas of concern to our physicians.