Research

Yale University is one of six genetic research centers created by the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney diseases (NIDDK) seeking to advance the discovery of genes influencing an individuals’ risk for developing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

For more information on the Yale IBD Genetics Consortium click here.

Here at the Yale IBD Program, we believe research is an integral component of achieving the highest quality care. The Yale IBD Program is uniquely suited to offer state of the art research to the patients who are evaluated. Both clinicians and researchers work together for the patient’s best interest. For us, the goal of research is three-fold: to improve clinical therapy, to improve patient outcomes, and to increase our understanding of the disease. Our research interests and studies fall into two categories, Clinical and Translational. All research is approved through Yale Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Clinical Trials

  1. Comparing Remicade (Infliximab) and Placebo in the Prevention of Reccurence in Crohn's Disease Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection who are at Increased Risk of Reccurence.A prospective, multicenter, placebo-controlled study to assess the effects of remicade to prevent relapse of Crohn's Disease after surgical resection. Patients who recently had surgery will be randomly assigned a group that will either receive a dose of remicade or the placebo.  We are looking to understand the roll remicade can play in patients who recently had surgery and are at risk for return of Crohn's Disease symptoms. Duration- 208 weeks. Status- Enrolling
  2. Determinants of Quality of Life in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) remain poorly understood in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We are studying the independent roles of depression and disease activity as determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We believe that a better understanding of these different predictors will allow us to provide better care for those with inflammatory bowel disease. (HIC # 0806003938) Status - Enrolling
  3. Abbott Crohn’s Registry. Aimed at individuals with moderate to severe Crohn's disease, currently taking Humira (adalimumab). Participation in this study involves enrolling in a Registry of patients for 5 years and providing information about any symptoms you may have while taking this medication. No medication is provided as part of this study. Principal Investigator: Dr. Deborah Proctor (HIC # 0902004800) Status - Closed to enrollment.

Translational/Basic Research

  1. Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.Genetic information is analyzed to help us identify and better understand the way in which IBD manifests and how certain genetic traits contribute to this manifestation. Subjects from our study have already contributed to identifying over 30 genes that influence the development of IBD. Yale leads the NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) of six universities. A short family history and small blood draw are required. Principal Investigators: Drs. Judy H. Cho, Deborah Proctor, Ioannis Oikonomou, and Clara Abraham. (HIC # 0607001669) Status- Enrolling
  2. IBD Immune Responses. Understanding changes of immune responses and immune pathways in patients with IBD. The goals of these projects are to define changes in expression of genes, and in immunological pathways and responses in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by examining immune cells from the blood and intestine of patients with IBD. Requires a small blood sample. Principal Investigators: Drs. Clara Abraham and Judy H. Cho. (HIC # 0607001669) Status- Enrolling
  3. IBD Microbiome Study. A strategy to understand the microbial components of the human genetic and metabolic landscape and how they contribute to normal physiology and predisposition to IBD. Investigating the interrelationships between diet, lifestyle, intestinal bacteria, and genetic makeup for people with IBD. Involves diet questionnaire, phenotype form, a small blood sample and stool sample. Principal Investigators: Drs. Judy H. Cho, Deborah Proctor, Ioannis Oikonomou, and Clara Abraham. (HIC # 0607001669) Status- Not yet enrolling

Interested Participants

If you would like more information about our research studies, please call Eric at 203-785-7573. Additionally, you can send us an email at ibd@yale.edu.

Participation in any research program is strictly voluntary and whether or not a patient participates does not alter how and when he or she is treated.