Clinical Research Directory

AI-Enhanced Wide-Field Endoscopic Fluorescence Mapping of Gastrointestinal Mucosal Permeability in IBD - A Pilot Study in IBD Patients and Controls

This pilot study will test a new imaging system that uses fluorescent dye and artificial intelligence (AI) during colonoscopy to measure how "leaky" the lining of the colon is in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study will include 70 adults at 3 Canadian hospitals: 60 people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease affecting the colon, and 10 people without IBD who are having colonoscopy for routine colorectal cancer screening or surveillance. During the colonoscopy, participants will receive intravenous fluorescein, and the imaging system will record fluorescence in the colon as the scope is withdrawn. The main goal is to find out whether this method can be used safely during routine colonoscopy and whether it can produce usable measurements of mucosal permeability. The study will also examine whether these measurements are related to standard measures of inflammation seen during endoscopy, in biopsy samples, and in ex vivo Ussing chamber testing at the McMaster site. The control group will help define what normal fluorescence and permeability look like. This study is intended to provide early data on whether this approach could become a useful new way to assess barrier dysfunction in IBD.

Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators to Adapted Physical Activity for Pediatric Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

This study aims to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to regular physical activity among children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) followed in pediatric gastroenterology. Approximately 60 participants aged 10-17 years will complete two self-administered questionnaires (CAPAS-Q for physical activity/sedentary behavior and IMPACT-III for health-related quality of life) and take part in a single semi-structured interview exploring experiences, obstacles, and levers to support sustainable physical activity. Relevant clinical data (disease characteristics, treatment and selected routine clinical parameters) will be extracted from the medical record. Participation is limited to one visit (about 45-60 minutes) during a routine hospital appointment, with no additional intervention or follow-up required.