Bowel diseases

Bowel diseases or disorders are conditions that affect how your body digests and absorbs food. They are often characterised as a disorder of the small intestine, however, some also impact the large intestine and other parts of the digestive system. They can result in uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhoea and constipation and, if left untreated, can lead to further health complications. Testing for conditions in the bowel, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and coeliac disease, can help to diagnose and monitor the disorders. This can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life, and in some cases, reduce mortality.

Inflammatory bowel disease

IBD is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, characterised by intermittent episodes of remission and relapse. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two types of IBD that can result in a series of uncomfortable symptoms from cramps and diarrhoea to extreme fatigue. UC is characterised as only affecting the colon; however, CD can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to anus. There is currently a great deal of interest in how in vitro diagnostics can help clinicians understand the mechanisms of these diseases. This can also help to improve the management of these conditions.

 

Diagnosing and managing IBD

BIOHIT supplies novel tests that are cost-effective and help to diagnose, predict and monitor IBD faster than other methods. Frequent testing can help to monitor a patient’s progress, predict relapse, and evaluate the success of therapies. Faecal tests have a large role to play in the investigation of IBD, and BIOHIT remains at the forefront of technological delivery with its CE-marked GA-Map® Dysbiosis Test. A gut microbiota service is also available to help identify patients likely to respond to particular IBD therapies according to their microbial makeup. New innovative methods, such as SmarTest® Calprotectin, allow patients to monitor their own IBD progress remotely, providing reassurance and independence during treatment. There is also an emerging role for therapeutic drug monitoring in IBD. These assays can identify and assess loss of response to biologics such as infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, golimumab and vedolizumab.

Bowel disorders and colorectal cancer

CRC is the 4th most common cancer in the UK, and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. At least 95 % of all CRC cases arise from premalignant polypoid or flat adenomas that slowly evolve over time (>10 years). This provides a good window of opportunity to detect cancer early. CRC is one of the most diagnosed cancers, however, diagnosis usually results from the investigation of symptoms.

 

Screening for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Screening for CRC early, prior to symptoms, increases the cancer detection rate and reduces mortality. National screening programmes operate in several countries worldwide (including the UK) to support the diagnosis of CRC at an earlier, more curable stage. Colorectal tumours and adenomatous polyps can bleed intermittently, leaving traces of blood in stools. This can be detected by highly selective tests for haemoglobin and haemoglobin products (Hb/Hp complexes). Tests for such as BIOHIT’s ColonView Quick Test, is ideal for CRC screening, and can detect proximal bleeds with a greater degree of confidence.

Small bowel disorders

Disorders and diseases that originate in the small intestine are common and diverse. They include IBD, coeliac disease, enteritis/infection, cancer, obstruction, and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The small intestine is a long organ that plays a role in digestion. Small bowel disorders usually result from inflammation, ulcers or infection and affect the absorption of nutrients. This often causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhoea and constipation.

 

Testing for small bowel disorders

Efficient diagnosis of small bowel disorders can help to monitor their development and prevent further health complications. BIOHIT offers an array of assays for the investigation of several small bowel disorders, including coeliac disease and lactose intolerance, from different matrixes. For example, one stool extract can be used in multiple assays to detect different analytes (e.g. zonulin, calprotectin and pancreatic elastase). This allows a faster and less invasive diagnosis.


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